Category: Uncategorized

  • Tokyo Customized Half-Day Tour

    Tokyo Customized Half-Day Tour

    Tokyo Customized Half-Day Tour with Licensed Local Guide

    October, 2025

    Tour Itinerary

    • 1.900-910 subway to Ohtemachi
    • 2.910-1020 Imperial Palace East Gardem
    • 3.1020-1030 subway to Nezu
    • 4.1030-1200 Nezu and Yanaka area　
    • 5.1200-1220 JR railway and subway
    • 6.1220-1310 Asakusa

    Title: What's a Private Walking Tour of Tokyo Like? A Licensed Guide's Report on Ginza, the Imperial Palace, Yanaka, and Asakusa We met at a very refined hotel on Marronnier Street in Ginza 1-chome, where boutiques such as Vuitton and Bulgari line the street. The guests were visitors from Oceania. They had come to Japan four times for family ski trips to Niseko and Furano. Although some of the guests had visited Otemachi many times for work, this was their first sightseeing trip. I was asked why the capital was moved from Kyoto to Tokyo during the Meiji period, and I explained that the northern domains had fought on the side of the shogunate, so the new government needed to be placed in Edo to keep them in check. At the East Gardens of the Imperial Palace, I was asked why the keep of Edo Castle burned down for the third time, and I explained that a monk had tried to burn the kimono of a young woman who had died of a broken heart as a memorial offering, when a strong wind blew and the fire spread all the way to Edo Castle. Both of the guests really enjoyed the Asakura Museum of Sculpture in Yanaka. At Yanaka Cemetery, I was asked about sotoba, and I explained that they originally derived from towers built over the graves of kings in India, but since commoners could not build towers, they were simplified. At the Nitenmon Gate in Asakusa, I was asked whether what Zochoten is holding is a flashlight (it does indeed look somewhat similar), and I explained that it is a ritual implement used in ceremonies. One of the guests, who had worked at a bookshop, told me that many translations of Japanese books are published in Oceania, and showed me that they were currently reading "Butter" by Asako Yuzuki. One of the guests walked extremely fast — the first guest ever to walk faster than me.

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

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1SubwayGinza～Ohtemachi (Tokyo)180JPY
    Section 2SubwayOhtemachi (Tokyo)～Nezu180JPY
    Section 3TrainNippori～Ueno150JPY
    Section 4SubwayUeno～Asakusa180JPY
    Total690JPY

    Tour Report by Lance

    I have been working as a tour guide once a week since 2024.
    I grew up in Osaka and studied in Kyoto,
    I have been working for the lvestock division of the national organization of agricultural cooperatives.
    Japan depends on imports for most of its livestock feed ingredients.
    I visited 10 countries on business and stayed in New Orleans working for a subsidiary company for 3 years.
    I visited 10 other countries with my wife for sightseeing.
    I also started writing Haiku, Japanese traditional poem, after retiring.
    One of my favorite is ” Bundled up, you are like a Matryoshka.”
    Looking forward to see you!

    Request Booking

    Sep 24, 2026
    benoitlJ9021HN
    Perfect guide tour in Tokyo
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide
    Lance was very nice…

    Sep 19, 2026
    H1282JBkarinas
    Great tour with Lance from Japan Guide Agency!
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo Customized Full-Day Private Tour with Licensed Guide
    Lance our tour…

    Sep 10, 2026
    Silver_F
    amazing 8-hour walking tour with Lance!
    Viator review: Tokyo Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide
    Lance was our…

    Jul 4, 2026
    317roxaneh
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Great time in Tokyo!
    We had a great day with Lance! He…

  • Kyoto in Half a Day: Sanjusangen-do Temple & Hanamikoji Street

    Kyoto in Half a Day: Sanjusangen-do Temple & Hanamikoji Street

    Kyoto Customized Half-Day Tour with Licensed Local Guide

    October, 2025

    Tour Itinerary

    • 10:50 Meet up @ Kyoto Station main entrance
    • 11:20～12:20　Sanjusangen-do Temple
    • 12:30～12:45　Toyokuni Shrine
    • 13:00～13:45　Kennin-ji Temple
    • 13:45～14:10　Stroll along Hanamikoji Street
    • 14:30　Disband @ Minamiza Theater

    Title: What's a Private One-Day Cultural and Historical Tour of Kyoto Like? A Licensed Guide's Report The guests were visitors from North America. They had told me they would be arriving in Kyoto from Osaka by Shinkansen, so I designated "the Shinkansen Central Transfer Gate" as our meeting point and sent them a photo in advance. I waited at the meeting point, but they did not arrive. Thinking they might have mistaken it for "the Shinkansen Central Exit," I contacted them via a messaging app. They said "yes," and sent a photo of where they currently were, but it was clearly the "Karasuma Central Gate." Since they appeared to have already exited the station from the Karasuma Central Gate, I decided to head there. Because they had sent me a photo beforehand, I was able to recognize them right away, which was fortunate. It seemed they had not taken the Shinkansen but had come by a local line instead. Once again, meeting up at Kyoto Station did not go smoothly. As a result, the actual tour start time became 10:50. I realized that meeting at Kyoto Station requires a bit more planning. As for our destination, the guests had said, "We'd like to visit somewhere where we can experience Kyoto's culture and history, and finish in Gion." I had originally been thinking of "Toji Temple, then Kenninji Temple," but since I felt bad about asking the guests to go all the way back to the Kintetsu line, I proposed Sanjusangendo, a relatively old Buddhist temple of the Tendai sect that is comparatively close to Kyoto Station. At Sanjusangendo, the guests were overwhelmed by the thousand Buddhist statues. Since there was a specially installed staircase allowing visitors to view the statues from a higher vantage point, I had them climb up. This was their first Buddhist temple in Japan, but they seemed to have visited shrines before, so there was a question about the difference between shrines and Buddhist temples. I explained, "Shrines belong to Shinto, and temples belong to Buddhism. However, Japan has a concept of the syncretism of Shinto and Buddhism, and there is a shrine here as well." On the back side of Sanjusangendo, various forms of Buddhist statues are displayed, and since their forms differed from the thousand-armed Kannon seen in the front, one of the guests found it very curious. So I explained that there are four types of Buddhist figures: "Nyorai, Bosatsu, Myoo, and Ten." Since they had visited Osaka Castle the day before, I made a point of explaining the Taiko Wall built by Toyotomi Hideyoshi, who constructed Osaka Castle. Although it was not in the original plan, since they had been to Osaka Castle, I suggested a stroll to Toyokuni Shrine, which enshrines Toyotomi Hideyoshi. When I explained that a person is enshrined there, one of the guests seemed puzzled. So I explained that while natural objects were originally worshipped as deities, historical great figures are sometimes deified as well. When I asked if they would like to try praying, they said they would like to learn how, so I taught them. Unfortunately they did not have a coin with a hole in it, so I had them make an offering of 100 yen for both, counted as 50 yen plus 50 yen. Then we moved on. Since I certainly could not take newly-joined guests past a "severing-ties" shrine, we got off the bus at Kiyomizu-michi, walked along Yasaka-dori, and entered through the west gate. When I introduced the Yasaka Pagoda, they said they would come back to take photos after the tour ended. First there was a signboard depicting the dragon painting of the Dharma Hall, which they showed interest in. Once inside, they were moved by the Wind God and Thunder God screens and the beauty of the rock garden. When I told them they could enter the tatami room of the abbot's quarters, they happily went in, and one of the guests said, "We stayed in a tatami room at a ryokan in Hakone and loved the tatami very much." Then we went to the Dharma Hall. Both of them seemed to like the Twin Dragons painting, and one of them in particular was enthusiastically taking photos. One of the guests found it curious that the main image was different from the Buddhist figure seen at Sanjusangendo. I explained, "The main image of Kenninji is Shaka Nyorai, the founder of Buddhism. In the era when Sanjusangendo was built, the idea spread that Shaka Nyorai alone could not save people, and the thousand statues of the thousand-armed Kannon express the founder's wish that people might somehow be saved." Finally they tasted matcha, liked it, and purchased some. They received a 50-yen coin in change, and were delighted, saying, "Now we can make an offering at the shrine." Then we passed through Hanamikoji and out to Shijo-dori. Since the previous night's dinner had been too much and breakfast had been light, they seemed very hungry, and asked where would be a good place to have lunch. I recommended "a venerable soba restaurant next to Minamiza," and since I was heading in the same direction, I decided to accompany them while guiding them to souvenir shops and the like. The guests had not done much advance study of Japanese history or religion, but for that very reason I felt their questions were refreshing to me. When we parted, they thanked me and said, "If you ever come to visit, feel free to contact us!" The photo was taken in the garden of Sanjusangendo.

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

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1BusKyoto Station / Kyoto City Bus～Museum Sanjusangen-do / Kyoto City Bus230JPY
    Section 2BusMuseum Sanjusangen-do / Kyoto City Bus～Kiyomizu-michi / Kyoto City Bus230JPY
    Total460JPY

    Tour Report by Satoko

    I am a 54-year-old woman, living in Kyoto for nearly 40 years. I got the license in 2001. Since then, I worked as an interpreter or a translator in several companies, secretary at universities, and now work for a company on weekdays at the international dept.I do guiding job only weekend now. I started full swing guiding career after COVID-19 pandemic. I have gotten good review from many of my guests. I love my hometown, Kyoto which has a lot of interesting and historical sites to see. Particularly, I am native to Arashiyama which is famous for bamboo forest. So, I know a lot of places where you can relax yourself around this area. Other than that, Kyoto has many attractive sites which surely interest you.Also, I like meeting many people from different cultural background. I am very happy if I learn about your culture as well. Let’s enjoy exploring around Kyoto!

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    May 18, 2026
    WENDY_W
    Viator review: Kyoto 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Excellent day out
    The trip was really well planned and organised, it…

    Sep 21, 2025
    joshsJ915FC
    Super tour of Kyoto
    Tripadvisor review: Kyoto 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Really wonderful tour of markets and geisha district.…

    Jun 16, 2025
    Chanyl C
    Highly recommend
    Tripadvisor review: Kyoto 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    My husband and I really enjoyed the Kyoto tour.…

    May 18, 2025
    Steve J
    A relaxing, enjoyable visit to Arashiyama.
    Tripadvisor review: Kyoto 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Satori was very kind and…

  • Tokyo in One Day: Tsukiji Market & Sendagi

    Tokyo in One Day: Tsukiji Market & Sendagi

    Tokyo Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide

    October, 2025

    Tour Itinerary

    • 10:00 Hotel Blossom
    • 10:30 Takeshita Street, Omotesando
    • 11:40 Tsukiji Market
    • 13:30 Komagome, Lunch (Soba)
    • 13:50 Rikugien Garden
    • 14:40 Nippori, Yanaka Ginza
    • 15:20 Sendagi
    • 16:00 End at Shinjuku South Gate

    What Is a Private One-Day Tokyo Tour Like? A Licensed Guide's Report on Tsukiji, Rikugien, and Yanaka The guests were a group visiting from North America. They were very friendly and also very considerate. They said the shops in the Ura-Harajuku area were very cool, and that the atmosphere reminded them of a place they knew overseas. At Tsukiji, they enjoyed the tremendous crowds and lively energy, happily eating yakitori and tamagoyaki. At Rikugien, they seemed to enjoy the beauty of the Japanese garden at their own pace. In Yanaka, they said the nostalgic atmosphere was wonderful and were captivated by the old-style izakaya that still retain the feel of the Showa era. I saw them off at the South Exit of Shinjuku Station, where they thanked me for a fun day, and my work concluded.

    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 2SubwayOmotesando～Tsukiji180JPY
    Section 3SubwayTsukiji～Komagome350JPY
    Section 4TrainKomagome～Nippori150JPY
    Section 5TrainSendagi～Shinjuku360JPY
    Total1,190JPY

    Tour Report by Kris

    My name is Kris,
    Before becoming a tour guide, I worked for a major steelmaking company as an engineer for many years. During my career, I lived and worked in both Germany and the United States for a total of five years. These experiences helped me understand different cultures and ways of thinking, which now helps me connect easily with guests from around the world.

    After retirement, I chose a second career as a tour guide because I truly enjoy meeting people from different countries and sharing Japanese culture, history, and daily life. I have been working as a guide for more than nine years and continue to enjoy every tour.

    I currently live in Tokyo, but I was born and raised in Kobe, near Osaka, and my family roots are in Kyoto. As a result, I have extensive knowledge not only of Tokyo but also of Kyoto, Osaka, and many other parts of Japan. I enjoy introducing both famous landmarks and hidden local gems that many visitors might otherwise miss.

    I am energetic, friendly, and very sociable. I always try to create tours that are relaxed, flexible, and tailored to my guests’ interests.

    Travel is one of my greatest passions, especially visiting hot spring resorts. I have visited more than 80 onsen destinations throughout Japan, giving me a deep appreciation of Japanese culture and regional traditions.

    Whether you are visiting Japan for the first time or returning for another adventure, I would be delighted to help you discover the real Japan from a local perspective.

    I look forward to meeting you and helping you create wonderful memories in Tokyo, Kyoto, Osaka, and beyond.

    See you in Japan!

    Kris

    Request Booking

    May 10, 2026
    Matt_B
    Viator review: Tokyo 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    A Wonderful Introduction to Tokyo
    We were so lucky to have Kris-San…

    Apr 29, 2026
    Rebecca_M
    Viator review: Toyosu Market Morning Tuna Auction and Tsukiji Food Tour with Licensed Guide
    Excellent tour
    We had such a wonderful…

    Apr 21, 2026
    jacquir581
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    We love Kris
    Kris was awesome! He was very flexible when our…

    Apr 2, 2026
    Frank_B
    Viator review: Tokyo 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    A great day in Tokyo
    Great tour with an excellent guide, Kris.…

  • Tokyo Customized Private Tour in 1 Day

    Tokyo Customized Private Tour in 1 Day

    Tokyo Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide

    October, 2025

    Tour Itinerary

    • 1. 8:00　Meet up @ the b asakusa
    • 2. 8:10　@ Sensoji Temple, Asakusa Shrine, Azumabashi Bridge
    • 3. 9:30　@ Ginza (4-chome intersection, Chuo-dori)
    • 4. 10:00　@ Imperial Palace (Sakuradamon Gate, Nijubashi Bridge, Main Gate)
    • 5. 10:30　@ Tokyo Station (station plaza, station building)
    • 6. 11:15　@ Koishikawa Korakuen Garden
    • 7.13:10　@ Meiji Jingu Shrine
    • 8. 14:15　Disband @ in front of Shinjuku LUMINE2

    A Private Tokyo Walking Tour of Koishikawa Korakuen and Meiji Shrine: A Licensed Guide's Report The guests were retired visitors from North America who now live in Europe, returning to North America seasonally and traveling around the world. It was their first visit to Japan, but they had long been interested in the country after hearing stories from a friend who had exchanged letters with a pen pal in Japan. This tour was the final part of their Japan trip, spent sightseeing in Tokyo after they had already traveled to many parts of the country. They had specifically wished to visit Koishikawa Korakuen Garden, and they were very satisfied strolling through it. Unfortunately, the Tsutenkyo Bridge was covered for restoration, so only the picture painted on the cover could be seen, but the guests marveled at the Engetsukyo Bridge, the Seiko Embankment, the large pond, Horaijima Island, the Tokudaiji Stone, the pine trees, the Karamon Gate, and the Shiraito Waterfall, taking many photographs. In particular, one of the guests had brought a fine camera in addition to a smartphone and photographed enthusiastically, while the other took selfies of the two of them with a smartphone. The guests also listened intently to explanations about the story of Mito Komon, the meaning behind Korakuen, and the background story of Tokujindo, and were impressed by the philosophy behind them. Since the guests planned to visit Shinjuku after this tour and we had a little extra time, I additionally guided them to Meiji Shrine, where they thoroughly enjoyed the solemn forest surrounding the shrine. Afterward, I saw them off to Shinjuku and said goodbye.

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

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1Free PassTokyo Metro Ginza Line Asakusa Station～Ginza Station700JPY
    Section 2Free PassTokyo Metro Marunouchi Line Tokyo Station～Korakuen Station0JPY
    Section 3Free PassTokyo Metro Marunouchi Line Korakuen Station～Chiyoda Line Meiji-jingumae Station0JPY
    Section 4Free PassTokyo Metro Fukutoshin Line Meiji-jingumae Station～Shinjuku-sanchome Station0JPY
    Total700JPY

    Tour Report by Noripy

    Hello, I’m Noripy.
    I am a lively woman in my 60s who loves having fun. My charm lies in my bright and approachable personality. Drawing on over 30 years of international experience, I began working as a tour guide in 2023. I have conducted over 100 tours annually, ensuring that my clients enjoy Tokyo and its surrounding areas. I have received high praise from a wide range of customers, from teenagers to people in their 80s. I cater to solo travelers, couples, newlyweds, families, and groups of up to about 10 people. Living in the heart of the city, I actively guide tours primarily in Tokyo. In addition to being certified in English, one of my strengths is being able to communicate effectively in Spanish as well.
    I’m looking forward to meeting you all in Tokyo!

    Request Booking

    Sep 10, 2026
    Sonal_G
    Noripy is just the best
    Viator review: Tokyo Vegetarian and Halal Food Private Tour with Licensed Guide
    Noripy is such a…

    Jul 3, 2026
    Jody D
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo Full Day Tour with Licensed Guide and Vehicle from Yokohama
    Best Post cruise tour ever
    It was…

    June 19, 2026
    Alec T
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Tokyo in 4 hours
    Noripy was excellent! She guided us through…

    Jun 16, 2026
    Hema_R
    Viator review: Tokyo 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Lovely experience. My…
    Lovely experience. My guide was an absolutely adorable lady…

  • Kyoto in Half a Day: Fushimi Inari Taisha Shrine & Nijo Castle

    Kyoto in Half a Day: Fushimi Inari Taisha Shrine & Nijo Castle

    Kyoto Customized Half-Day Tour with Licensed Local Guide

    October, 2025

    Tour Itinerary

    • 10:00 Meet at Hotel Nikko Princess Kyoto
    • 10:40 Fushimi Inari Taisha Shrine
    • 12:30 Nijo Castle
    • 13:50 Lunch at Ukiya Pontocho Main Store
    • 14:45 Disband at Shijo Station

    From Oceania: A Private Kyoto Day Tour Report Visiting Fushimi Inari, Nijo Castle, and Pontocho Today's guests were a group visiting from Oceania. They had originally booked for a larger party, but as some of the group had fallen ill, only part of the group was able to join. They had a strong interest in history and culture, so I took them to Fushimi Inari Taisha and gave detailed explanations, which they greatly appreciated. Interestingly, some of the guests did not show much interest in the Senbon Torii, which surprised me. They had watched the drama "Shogun," so I took them to Nijo Castle, which they very much enjoyed. They said they would love to visit a restaurant recommended by the guide for lunch, so I took them to Ukiya in Pontocho, and they were delighted. The night before, when they had done a Gion tour, they had been caught in heavy rain and had a rough time, but today there were relatively few people and no rain, so they truly enjoyed themselves.

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

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1SubwayShijo (Kyoto Municipal)～Kyoto220JPY
    Section 2TrainKyoto～Inari150JPY
    Section 3TrainFushimi Inari～Sanjo (Kyoto Prefecture)240JPY
    Section 4SubwaySanjo Keihan～Nijojo-mae220JPY
    Section 5SubwayNijojo-mae～Sanjo Keihan220JPY
    Section 6SubwaySanjo Keihan～Shijo (Kyoto Municipal)220JPY
    Total1,270JPY

    Tour Report by Kaeko

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

    Request Booking

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

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

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

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

  • Tokyo Customized Half-Day Tour

    Tokyo Customized Half-Day Tour

    Tokyo Customized Half-Day Tour with Licensed Local Guide

    October, 2025

    Tour Itinerary

    • 1. 13:00 Meet at Intercontinental The Strings Tokyo By IHG
    • 2. 13:50 Asakusa (Nakamise Street, Senso-ji Temple, Asakusa Shrine)
    • 3. 15:20 Ueno Park (Ueno Toshogu Shrine, etc.)
    • 4. 16:30 Ginza (Kyukyodo, Mitsukoshi, ITO-YA)
    • 5. 17:20 Dismissal (Yurakucho Station)

    Title: What's a Private One-Day Tour of Asakusa, Ueno, and Ginza in Tokyo Like? A Licensed Guide's Report Since we could not meet in the hotel lobby exactly at the meeting time, I called via a messaging app to meet up, and we departed a few minutes late. At Keikyu Shinagawa Station we bought PASMO cards together and headed to Asakusa. The weather in Asakusa was very nice, so we first enjoyed the view from Azuma Bridge before going to Kaminarimon Gate. There was no particular shopping on Nakamise Street, and while talking about history and other topics, we visited Sensoji Temple and Asakusa Shrine. The guests listened with great interest to my explanations of Shinto and Buddhism. At Ueno Park, they were also interested to hear about its history, the origins of the National Museum of Western Art, and Ueno Toshogu Shrine. They were surprised when I told them there are two giant pandas at the zoo. Since one of the guests had worked in education, when we saw groups of junior high school students in both Asakusa and Ueno and I explained things about schools in Japan (the new school year begins in April, etc.), their eyes became sharp and serious. As I knew from the start that there would not be much time for Ginza, rather than accompanying any shopping, I limited it to an introduction. The reaction at the stationery shop was somewhat lukewarm, so I took them to the basement food floor of a department store, and they were impressed. They said they would come back another day to look more carefully, including at a stationery store, so I took them to Yurakucho Station, which is convenient for returning to the hotel in Shinagawa. I explained which platform to take and to get off at JY25, handed them a paper I had prepared in advance, and after seeing them go through the ticket gate, we parted ways.

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

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1TrainShinagawa～Sengakuji150JPY
    Section 2SubwaySengakuji～Asakusa280JPY
    Section 3SubwayAsakusa～Ueno180JPY
    Section 4SubwayUeno～Ginza180JPY
    Total790JPY

    Tour Report by Mac

    Hello, I’m Masaaki Kurata. I have been conducting walking tours in Asakusa, Ueno, Yanaka and the East Garden of Imperial Palace since I joined an English guide volunteer club in 2016. I worked for 2 U.S. based companies in Tokyo for 41 years and retired in 2023. I developed good communication skills with people from other countries in my long career in those 2 companies. I was born in the suburb of Tokyo and I’m familiar with Tokyo pretty much. Since I retired and do not work for a company any longer, I can be flexible in making itineraries. I really want to make tourists happy by making fun and interesting communication.

    Request Booking

    Jun 5, 2026
    Flyer544764
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Extraordinary submersion into Japanese history and culture~
    What an extraordinary 6 hr…

    Apr 27, 2026
    Eric_K
    Viator review: Tokyo 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Mac was a very good tour…
    Mac was a very good tour…

    Apr 23, 2026
    O4598GUpatriciat
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Exceptional Private Guide – Discovering the Hidden Side of Tokyo
    We had…

    Apr 2, 2026
    V742WEsusans
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Highly recommended tour
    Excellent friendly guidance from Mac. He greeted us at…

  • Aomori in One Day: Seiryu-ji Temple & Warrase Museum

    Aomori in One Day: Seiryu-ji Temple & Warrase Museum

    Aomori Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide

    October, 2025

    Tour Itinerary

    • 【Itinerary】
    • 10:00 Hotel Aomori
    • We will initially meet at 10:00 at Hotel Aomori then we will take the chartered van-type taxi to Seiryuji Temple housing a five-storied pagoda.
    • 10:30 Seiryu-ji Temple
    • * Showa Daibutsu (Showa Great Buddha)
    • – the tallest bronze sitting statue of Buddha in Japan (21 meters)
    • *Five-Storied Pagoda – the 4th highest in Japan (39.5 meters)
    • *Zen Garden (Dried Landscape Garden – Sand garden)
    • *(Admission fee : 400 yen/one-person)
    • 11:30 Activities – Apple picking at Aomori apple orchard
    • 12:30 Lunch – Nokkedon at Aomori Gyosai Center
    • Aomori Gyosai Center (Fishery and Vegetable Market) Center
    • OR Maruo Sushi Restaurant in “Shinsen Fishery Market” OR Ramen shop OR other Japanese style restaurants.
    • 14:00 Warrase Museum
    • This Museum introduces “ Aomori Nebuta Festival – Nationally Designated Important Folk Cultural Property- displaying the Nebuta Float made by Japanese paper, wire, and electric fluorescent or LED lamps with the size of 9 meters in width, 7 meters in depth, and 5 meters in height.
    • *Aomori Sumer Nebuta Festival- Every year three million spectators gather for the Aomori Summer Nebuta Festival. Large dolls (nebuta) made of wood, wire and Japanese paper with lights inside, march through town. Dancers called haneto, dance wildly to call of “rassera, rassera” for a very energizing performance. Anybody can participate if they wear the haneto outfit so don’t just watch, be a part of the festivities yourself!
    • *(Admission fee: 620 yen/one-person)
    • Ending Point
    • 16:00 Hotel Aomori
    • Best regards,
    • Tomohiko Kudo

    What Is a Private Day Tour of Aomori City Like? A Licensed Guide's Report [Japan Guide Agency (JGA Inc.)](https://www.j-g-a.org/) guide C led a private day tour of Aomori City for a group visiting from North America. It was their first time in Japan, and their overall itinerary ran Tokyo → Morioka → Aomori → Kyoto → Hakone → Tokyo. The private tour in Aomori covered Seiryuji Temple, an Aomori sightseeing apple orchard, lunch featuring nokke-don, the Auga underground fresh market, and the Nebuta Museum WA RASSE. Aomori is blessed with rich nature, though there have been ongoing incidents of bears causing harm to people, including damage at apple orchards. At the Auga underground fresh market, one exchange stood out. The guests remarked, "There are so many fresh and delicious-looking fish here! Salmon and trout! Back home, bears love the salmon and trout that swim upstream. Is it the same in Aomori? Do bears come here looking for salmon and trout?" Everyone at the market laughed at the joke.

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

    Tour Report by Tomohiko

    My name is Tomohiko Kudo.
    I live in Aomori city.
    I already visited more than 30 nations so far.
    After official retirement from the public officer, I could have the Japanese Government Licensed Guide Certificate and am nowadays very pleased to guide overseas tourists all over the world.
    Did you know that the Fuji apple is not from Mt.Fuji…but is actually from Aomori Prefecture’ Fujisaki town. Aomori is proud of the biggest apple product in
    Japan. We provide 40 apple-pie restaurants to guests.
    Let’s enjoy real Japanese culture and history with me. I would enjoy with you real Samuri history, Kimono culture, local traditional festivals, castle,
    Japanese garden, temple, shrine, Japanese tea ceremony, food and Sake.
    I often go to the local sea food and vegetable markets and eat fresh foods and would love to show you some secret, hidden restaurants that only Aomori locals know about – let’s go on an adventure together.
    If you like sushi and fresh seafood, let me introduce to Nokkedon ?
    What is it? Come to Aomori and find out! I am waiting for you.

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    Jun 2, 2025
    413maryannb
    Tomohiko organized our day beautifully! The car was immaculate, the driver skilled. We thoroughly enjoyed our day!
    Tripadvisor review: Aomori Full-Day…

    Apr 30, 2025
    Jacqueline_F
    Great Guide, great tour
    Viator review: Aomori Full-Day Private Trip with Government-Licensed Guide
    We experienced the wonderful sites of Aomori which…

    Dec 30, 2024
    Scenic33296385055
    Warm and professional guide
    Tripadvisor review: Aomori Full-Day Private Trip with Government-Licensed Guide
    Mr. Kudo-san is very professional, meticulate and kind…

    Aug 3, 2024
    Monika R
    Fun and informative tour – great tour guide!
    Tripadvisor review: Aomori Full-Day Private Trip with Government-Licensed Guide
    We were 3…

  • Tokyo Customized Private Tour in 1 Day

    Tokyo Customized Private Tour in 1 Day

    Tokyo Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide

    October, 2025

    Tour Itinerary

    • ①9:00 Meet at the hotel
    • ②9:00〜9:50 Sensoji Temple, Nakamise Street
    • ③10:00〜11:00 Sumida River Cruise Water Bus
    • ④11:00〜11:40 Odaiba
    • ⑤11:40〜12:30 Travel from Odaiba to Nezu
    • ⑥12:30〜13:15 Nezu Shrine
    • ⑦13:15〜15:00 Yanaka area stroll (Ueno Sakuragi, Yanaka Cemetery, Isetatsu, Yanaka Ginza, Yuyake Dandan) Dismissal

    What Can You See on a 6-Hour Private Walking Tour of Tokyo? A Licensed Guide's Report The guests were visitors from North America, visiting Japan for the first time. They had arrived the previous night, and today was their first day of sightseeing, with plans to stay a total of about two weeks including a visit to Kyoto. Today, in addition to strolling through the Asakusa, Nezu Shrine, and Yanaka areas as they had requested, they enjoyed a Sumida River cruise on a water bus and also stopped by Odaiba. On the way back, they took the monorail and enjoyed the views of Tokyo Bay. They were energetic and walked the full six hours, taking only a light lunch of sandwiches, and we parted ways upon arriving at the Yuyake Dandan steps as they had specified. Afterward, it seemed they would continue on toward the Ueno area on their own. I gave them a Tokyo guidebook and pointed out other sights to see. At a traditional paper shop, they took a liking to some beautiful chiyogami decorative paper and purchased it.

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

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1OtherAsakusa～Odaiba2,000JPY
    Section 2TrainOdaiba Kaihin Koen～Shimbashi330JPY
    Section 3TrainShimbashi～Yurakucho150JPY
    Section 4TrainHibiya～Nezu180JPY
    Total2,660JPY

    Tour Report by SAM

    Hello! I am Osamu Kitagawa , National Government Licensed Guide Interpreter(English). Please call me SAM.
    I love Japanese culture, history, and visiting historical places, scenic spots, and fashionable spots as well. I can guide you all over Japan as I have ever visited all prefectures in Japan. I have a global experience in international banking business including residing in Hong Kong and Jakarta. So I’m able to have daily conversations in Indonesian language, too. I’m looking forward to seeing you soon!

    Certification
    Certified Travel Services Manager
    Authorized Tour Conductor
    Kyoto Expert Certification

    Request Booking

    Jul 23, 2026
    svendulrikr
    Tripadvisor review: Nara Day Trip from Osaka: Customized Tour, Licensed Guide
    Best of Nara
    Amazing trip to Nara with the most…

    Jul 10, 2026
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    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo in 1 Day from Yokohama: Private Tour, Licensed Guide
    Private tour of Tokyo.
    Our guide Sam is very…

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    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    We learned how to ride the trains and we went to…

    Apr 14, 2026
    MDMallory
    Tripadvisor review: Yokohama and Kamakura 6hr Private Trip Government-Licensed Guide
    The Natural Beauty of Kamakura
    Our guide, Sam, was very knowledgeable…

  • Tokyo in One Day: Great Buddha of Kamakura & Tsurugaoka Hachimangu

    Tokyo in One Day: Great Buddha of Kamakura & Tsurugaoka Hachimangu

    Kamakura Day Trip from Tokyo in 1 Day with Licensed Guide

    October, 2025

    Tour Itinerary

    • 8:30 Meet at the hotel
    • 8:40 After guiding through the grounds of Sensoji Temple in Asakusa, head to Ofuna via Shimbashi
    • 10:00 From Ofuna, take the monorail to Shonan-Enoshima
    • 11:00 Visit the Great Buddha of Kamakura
    • 12:30 Visit Hasedera Temple
    • 14:30 Tsurugaoka Hachimangu Shrine
    • 16:00 From Kamakura to the hotel. Tour ends in the car

    Title: What's a Private Kamakura and Enoshima Day Tour Like from Tokyo? A Licensed Guide's Report The guests were visitors from North America who had arrived in Tokyo just the night before. Since they had only just arrived, I first gave them a full tour of Senso-ji Temple in Asakusa, near their hotel. They were amazed that such a wonderful place existed so close to their hotel, and said they would like to visit again on their own after the tour. From Ofuna, we took the monorail toward Shonan Enoshima, and they seemed to greatly enjoy the unique ride. It was a weekend in Kamakura, so both the Great Buddha of Kamakura and Hase-dera Temple were quite crowded with tourists, but the guests appeared delighted by these distinctly Japanese scenes. Finally, we headed to Tsurugaoka Hachimangu Shrine, where we happened to see a traditional Shinto wedding ceremony taking place, and the guests were captivated by this classic Japanese ritual.

    Click here for more details: Kamakura Day Trip from Tokyo 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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    Aug 18, 2026
    Heather_C
    Private tour for 4 in Tokyo – highly recommend
    Viator review: Tokyo Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide…

    Aug 8, 2026
    victoriahD2588SK
    Tripadvisor review: Hakone Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide
    An action packed visit to Hakone!
    Atsushi was an…

    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…

  • Kyoto in Half a Day: Kyoto Imperial Palace & Arashiyama

    Kyoto in Half a Day: Kyoto Imperial Palace & Arashiyama

    Kyoto Customized Half-Day Tour with Licensed Local Guide

    October, 2025

    Tour Itinerary

    • 09:00 Meeting point: Hotel Al Kyoto Sanjo Kiyamachi-dori
    • 09:40 Sightseeing ①: Kyoto Imperial Palace
    • 11:00 Sightseeing ②: Nijo Castle
    • 12:20 Sightseeing ③: Arashiyama (Bamboo Grove)
    • 13:00 End

    Can You Do a Private 4-Hour Walking Tour of Kyoto in the Rain? A Licensed Guide's Report The guests were a group visiting Japan from North America. Prior communication about adjusting the destinations was handled with one member of the group. The group planned to stay in Kyoto and to also visit Nara at the end of their trip. They had listed many places they wanted to see, including Nijo Castle, Gion, the Kyoto Imperial Palace, Tofuku-ji, Arashiyama, Katsura Imperial Villa, and Gio-ji, and their enthusiasm to fully experience the ancient capitals of Kyoto and Nara was clear. However, since the tour I guide was the shortest "4-hour course," I proposed a compact itinerary of "Kyoto Imperial Palace ⇒ Nijo Castle ⇒ Arashiyama" that captures the essence of Kyoto from the perspectives of (1) Kyoto's history and culture and (2) the beauty of Kyoto's nature, and the guests agreed. On the day, I met the guests almost exactly on time, introduced myself, and gave a brief explanation of the itinerary, which they understood. It had been rainy since the morning, but since the earlier destinations were indoors and we traveled by subway and JR, I was able to continue guiding from start to finish without ever using an umbrella myself. At the Kyoto Imperial Palace Gardens, I explained the long history of Japan's imperial system, including the mythological era. At the next stop, Nijo Castle, I introduced the history of how, even under the imperial system, actual political rule had been carried out by the samurai class, and I helped them understand that Nijo Castle is a historically and symbolically significant place as a building representing the Tokugawa shogunate system. The guests showed strong interest in the historical significance and unique culture of each place, and asked many questions. The final stop, Arashiyama, was also rainy, but it was the place the guests had most looked forward to (especially the Bamboo Path). Walking through the bamboo grove in the light rain, they enjoyed the green tunnel and took many photographs. Because one member of the group had an injured ankle and we walked a little more slowly, we were unable to visit Tenryu-ji temple, which had been planned after the bamboo grove, but all of the guests seemed satisfied. It had been a while since I had guided such a group, but with constant chatting and laughter, it turned out to be a fun and enjoyable tour.

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

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1SubwayKyoto City Hall～Imadegawa260JPY
    Section 2SubwayNijojo-mae～Nijo220JPY
    Section 3TrainNijo～Saga-Arashiyama200JPY
    Total680JPY

    Tour Report by Nori

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

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    Aug 10, 2026
    Paul_H
    Viator review: Kyoto Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide
    Kind and knowledgeable guide – highly recommended
    Nori communicated…

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

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

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