Category: Uncategorized

  • Osaka in Half a Day: Kuromon Market

    Osaka in Half a Day: Kuromon Market

    Tour Itinerary

    • 14:00 Hotel Citadines Namba Osaka Meet-up
    • 14:15~14:40 Kuromon Market
    • 15:10~16:00 Osaka Museum of History
    • 16:30~17:30 Namba – Dotonbori – Hozenji Yokocho

    What Is a Private Osaka Day Tour Like? A Licensed Guide's Report on Kuromon Market, Osaka Museum of History, and Dotonbori The guests were a group of friends visiting Japan from Oceania. They had already been traveling for about three weeks, and today was their final day in Osaka. Feeling somewhat tired from the long journey and the heat, during our meeting at the start we adjusted the original plan and decided to finish a little early and return to the hotel. With that in mind, we visited Kuromon Market, the Osaka Museum of History, Namba, Dotonbori, and Hozenji Yokocho. At the Osaka Museum of History, they attentively viewed the excavated artifacts and exhibits spanning from ancient to modern Osaka. In particular, they were impressed by the length of history and the transformation of Osaka as they compared the ruins of Naniwa Palace, the adjacent Osaka Castle, and the modern cityscape of today. At Dotonbori and Kuromon Market, they enjoyed eating takoyaki and taking in the old downtown atmosphere of Osaka, taking many photographs.

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1SubwayNipponbashi (Osaka)~Tanimachi 4-chome190JPY
    Section 2SubwayTanimachi 4-chome~Osaka Namba240JPY
    Total430JPY

    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 in Half a Day: Osaka Castle and stay there & Dotonbori

    Osaka in Half a Day: Osaka Castle and stay there & Dotonbori

    Tour Itinerary

    • 10:30  Meet at Hotel Iconic Osaka
    • 10:30-13:00 Move to Osaka Castle and stay there.
    • 13:20-14:00 Kuromon Market
    • 14:00-14:30 Dotonbori 
    • 14:30 End of the tour

    Title: What Is a Private Osaka Day Tour Like? A Licensed Guide's Report on Osaka Castle and Dotonbori The guests were enjoying their trip to Japan. Having just arrived in Osaka and planning to continue to Tokyo afterward, they purchased an IC card and traveled by subway. The guests had an interest in history and buildings, so Osaka Castle was a good fit. They also entered the Toyotomi Stone Wall Museum and saw the original stone walls, and remarked that they now had a clear understanding of the structure of Osaka Castle. At Dotonbori, they playfully waved at their own image projected on a screen, but they did not take photos in front of the Glico sign, showing a reserved manner. They did not eat at Dotonbori or Kuromon Market, as the breakfast at their hotel had apparently been generous. Since I had explained how to use the subway, I accompanied them to the Midosuji Line platform to confirm, and then we parted ways.

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1SubwayYodoyabashi~Tanimachi 4-chome190JPY
    Section 2SubwayTanimachi 4-chome~Nippombashi (Osaka)190JPY
    Section 3OtherOsaka Castle Electric Car~Inside Osaka Castle300JPY
    Total680JPY

    Hi! I’m an official English guide in Wakayama prefecture. I’m also a national guide as well. I’d like to expand my guide area to help tourists.
    The town of Osaka offers a different atmosphere than Tokyo. I like both exciting Osaka and nature-filled Wakayama Prefecture.
    If you stay in Osaka for 3 days, you can go to Koyasan for one day, or even for a day trip, so I recommend sightseeing at Koyasan.
    If you are tired of the hustle and bustle of the big city, the nature of Koyasan will relax you.
    I will introduce you to the unique culture, history and must-see sights.

    Jun 23, 2026
    Shelley_E
    Viator review: Osaka 6hr Private Walking Tour with Government Licensed Guide
    There is much to do in…
    There is much to…

    May 28, 2026
    Duncan_R
    Viator review: Osaka 4hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    A Great Tour of Kyoto
    The tour was both very informative and…

    May 28, 2026
    ignaciosilenzi
    Tripadvisor review: Mt. Koya Sacred Full-Day Private Tour (Osaka departure) with Licensed Guide
    Amazing day in Koyasan with Miyuki
    Miyuki was…

    May 23, 2026
    189mirjamf
    Tripadvisor review: Mt. Koya Sacred 6hr Private Tour with Government Licensed Guide
    Grandioser Einblick in eine fremde Kultur
    Sehr nette und…

  • Gifu in Half a Day: Takayama Morning & Sakurayama Hachimangu

    Gifu in Half a Day: Takayama Morning & Sakurayama Hachimangu

    Tour Itinerary

    • 9:00 Meet at Mercure Takayama
    • 9:20 Takayama Morning Market
    • 9:45 Sanmachi Old Town Streets
    • 10:20 Takayama Jinya
    • 11:40 Kusakabe Folk Museum
    • 12:10 Takayama Festival Floats Exhibition Hall
    • 12:45 Sakurayama Hachimangu Shrine
    • 13:00 End at a restaurant in Sanmachi

    Title: What Is a Private Takayama Walking Tour Like? A Licensed Guide's Report The guests were a group visiting from Oceania and Europe. They were especially interested in Japanese culture and asked a wide variety of questions. They did not seem to be as interested in history. At the morning market, they were delighted to purchase seasonal Shine Muscat grapes. They also showed interest in chestnut products. One of the guests was looking for a folding fan with a painting of Mount Fuji, but did not find one they liked, so I suggested looking for one in Kyoto, which they would visit next. At the end, I guided them to a Takayama ramen restaurant, and the tour concluded.

    Hi I am Kunihiro ARAKAWA, National government licensed tour guide.
    Please call me first name Kuni.
    My original city is Nagoya, but I lived in Tokyo for 20 years,
    and also lived in London and Paris for work.
    Now I live in Kyoto city. I moved here because I love Kyoto.
    I like taking photos and also sell my own photos on website.
    I’d love to take memorable photos for you at great photo spots.
    I also like history and gourmet food.
    I’d love to introduce some local recommendations.
    I’ll ask your request and create your special tour.
    Please feel free to let us know your thoughts.
    Looking forward to meeting you !

    Kuni

    Jul 18, 2026
    M2443VKandrewl
    Tripadvisor review: Kyoto Customized Private Tour by Car with Licensed Guide
    Excellent guide and support
    Kuni-san was an excellent guide and…

    Jun 9, 2026
    Gail M
    Tripadvisor review: Private Kyoto Tour with Licensed Guide & Vehicle (Max 15 persons)
    Kyoto Sights; Private Guide & Driver
    The…

    Jun 5, 2026
    Rick_S
    Viator review: Kyoto 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    An afternoon in Kyoto
    We had a great time exploring Kyoto. Our…

    May 16, 2026
    sydneybA4751LA
    Tripadvisor review: Kyoto 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    10/10 private tour of Kyoto!
    Kuni was amazing as our private tour…

  • Tokyo Customized Half-Day Tour

    Tokyo Customized Half-Day Tour

    Tour Itinerary

    • 11:00 Hotel-12:00 Shibuya Scramble Crossing-13:00 Harajuku Takeshita Street-14:00 Meiji Shrine-15:00 Asakusa Sensoji Temple, dismissal

    What Is a Two-Week Private Business and Sightseeing Tour of Tokyo Like? A Licensed Guide's Report The guests were a group visiting from the Middle East for a stay that combined business and sightseeing, hoping to explore business opportunities with Japanese companies. We started by having everyone purchase SUICA cards and began the tour from Shibuya. Although it had not been part of the original plan, we walked along Takeshita Street in Harajuku, where the group became especially fascinated by the mini pigs at one of the several animal cafes there. From Meiji Shrine we headed to Sensoji Temple in Asakusa and visited a shop selling swords. Unfortunately the shop was closed that day, so they were not able to see a real sword, but they were very pleased to purchase a framed ukiyo-e print.

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1TrainYurakucho~Shibuya210JPY
    Section 2TrainShibuya~Harajuku150JPY
    Section 3OtherMeiji Shrine (Harajuku Station) / Shibuya Ward, Tokyo~Kita-sando180JPY
    Section 4TrainSangubashi~Shinjuku140JPY
    Section 5TrainShinjuku~Asakusa (TX)390JPY
    Total1,070JPY

    Welcome to Japan. My name is Michio, your tour guide in Tokyo and Japan. I was born and grown up in Tokyo, and still living in western suburb of Tokyo with my wife, except for 10 years outside of Japan travelling and living in 60 countries. So I might have visited your country and still remember a few words.
    Japan has unique history, nature and culture, and there are plenty of secrets and wonders behind them such as food culture, Zen and Ninja.
    So please explore and discover the hidden and most beautiful part of Japan together. Let’s experience!

    Oct 25, 2025
    Carla_G
    Our 4-hour Tokyo walking…
    Viator review: Tokyo 4hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Our 4-hour Tokyo walking tour was fantastic! Michio…

    Oct 24, 2025
    410trishab
    ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ 10/10 — Outstanding Tour with Michio and Nobuhiko!
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo Full Day Tour with Licensed Guide and Vehicle from…

    Oct 11, 2025
    GoPlaces52694049181
    We enjoyed our time in Tokyo with Michio our tour guide.
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo 8hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    We…

    Oct 10, 2025
    PiscesV
    Sushi for breakfast at 630am? Yes please!!
    Tripadvisor review: Toyosu Market Morning Tuna Auction and Tsukiji Food Tour with Licensed Guide…

  • Tokyo: Tobu Asakusa Station & Kanmangafuchi Abyss

    Tokyo: Tobu Asakusa Station & Kanmangafuchi Abyss

    Tour Itinerary

    • 07:30 Meet up @ Hotel Tokyo
    • 08:30 Depart Tobu Asakusa Station (Liberty Kinu No. 109)
    • 10:23 Arrive Tobu Nikko Station (transfer at Shimo-Imaichi Station)
    • 10:45 Shinkyo Bridge
    • 11:00 Rinnoji Temple
    • 11:40 Nikko Toshogu Shrine
    • 12:30 Futarasan Shrine
    • 12:45 Rinnoji Taiyuin
    • 13:30 Lunch @ Hayashiya (soba restaurant)
    • 14:30 Kanmangafuchi Abyss
    • 16:20 Depart Tobu Nikko Station (Liberty Kegon No. 42)
    • 18:15 Arrive Tobu Asakusa Station
    • 19:00 Disband @ Hotel Tokyo

    What Is a Private Nikko Day Tour Like? A Licensed Guide's Report on Shinkyo Bridge, Toshogu Shrine, and Kanmangafuchi Abyss The guests were visitors from Europe who were in Japan for their third visit. After sightseeing in Tokyo, they planned to travel to Kyoto and Nara. At Shinkyo Bridge, they seemed impressed by the beautiful contrast between the bridge and the river. At Rinnoji Temple, they appeared impressed by the enormous Buddhist statues in the Sanbutsudo Hall and the beautiful Japanese garden of Shoyoen. At Toshogu Shrine, they viewed the Yomeimon Gate and the Crying Dragon (Nakiryu) with great interest. At Futarasan Shrine, they listened with interest to the explanation about the differences between shrines and temples. At Kanmangafuchi Abyss, which I guided at the strong request of the guests, they seemed impressed by the beautiful mountain stream and the many Jizo statues. Since I handled everything as the guests had wished, I believe they were satisfied.

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1SubwayGinza~Asakusa210JPY
    Section 2OtherAsakusa~Tobu Nikko2,843JPY
    Section 3Free PassTobu Nikko~Shinkyo Bridge600JPY
    Section 4Free PassKanmangafuchi Abyss~Nishisando0JPY
    Section 5Free PassNishisando~Tobu Nikko0JPY
    Section 6OtherTobu Nikko~Asakusa2,843JPY
    Section 7SubwayAsakusa~Ginza210JPY
    Total6,706JPY

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

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

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

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

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

  • Tokyo Customized Private Tour in 1 Day

    Tokyo Customized Private Tour in 1 Day

    Tour Itinerary

    • 1. 10:00 Meet up at Hilton Tokyo
    • 2. 11:00 Asakusa (Nakamise Street, Senso-ji Temple)
    • 3. 12:20 Lunch at Tsurukameya
    • 4. 13:30 Shibamata Taishakuten
    • 5. 14:50 Shibuya (Hachiko Statue, Scramble Crossing)
    • 6. 15:20 Harajuku (Meiji Shrine, Takeshita Street)
    • 7. 16:30 Disband at Hilton Tokyo

    What Can You See on a Private Tokyo Tour Beyond Asakusa? A Licensed Guide's Report The guests were visitors from North America who were interested in Japanese culture and traditions and wanted to see old buildings and streets as well. After Asakusa, the original plan was to take them to Hamarikyu Gardens, but since I heard about their interests during lunch, I quickly changed the destination to Shibamata and took them to Shibamata Taishakuten. They were very moved by the approach to Shibamata Taishakuten and were delighted. I guided them along Takeshita Street and explained how to get back to their hotel, but they seemed quite anxious, so even though we had gone over time, I escorted them all the way to the hotel and ended the tour. While it is preferable not to go over the scheduled time, I believe the impression of a tour is often determined by how it ends, so I think there are times when going over is unavoidable in order to finish on an enjoyable note.

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1SubwayNishi-Shinjuku~Asakusa260JPY
    Section 2TrainAsakusa~Shibamata380JPY
    Section 3TrainShibamata~Shibuya490JPY
    Section 4TrainShibuya~Harajuku150JPY
    Section 5SubwayMeiji-jingumae~Nishi-Shinjuku180JPY
    Total1,460JPY

    Hi, I am Nobu, a National Government Licensed Guide Interpreter (English).
    I have been an English guide in Tokyo area since January 2017.
    Tokyo is a wonderful city, and you may enjoy this city by yourselves.
    Even so, I recommend you go around with a guide, especially if it is your first time visit to Tokyo.
    A good guide will help you to understand about Tokyo and Japan as well as how to use convenient but complicated public transportations more effectively.
    I am glad if I can help you to make your tour more enjoyable.
    I am looking forward to meeting you in Tokyo soon!
    Nobu

    Jun 2, 2026
    amandavW9846AW
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Great Tokyo day trip!
    We had a wonderfull day with Nobu! He…

    May 25, 2026
    Matthew_C
    Viator review: Tokyo 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Nobu was an excellent and…
    Nobu was an excellent and informative guide…

    May 24, 2026
    Diane D
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Pleasant Intro to Tokyo
    Nobu was an experienced and informative guide.…

    Apr 28, 2026
    GrandTour57165664797
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo 4hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Awesome!
    It was our first visit to Japan. Nobu was very knowledgeable…

  • Tokyo in Half a Day: Guide arrives at Conrad Tokyo & Tsukiji Station

    Tokyo in Half a Day: Guide arrives at Conrad Tokyo & Tsukiji Station

    Tour Itinerary

    • 9:00 Guide (Kogure) arrives at Conrad Tokyo
    • 9:30 Meet the guests in the Conrad Tokyo lobby
    • 9:40 Depart Conrad Tokyo, walk toward Shimbashi Station
    • 10:00 Depart Shimbashi Station, head to Hibiya via Ginza (Ginza Line, Hibiya Line)
    • 10:10 Arrive at Hibiya Station, walk toward the Imperial Palace Plaza
    • 10:20〜11:00 Guide through the statue of Kusunoki Masashige and Nijubashi Bridge
    • 11:05 Depart Hibiya Station, head to Tsukiji on the Hibiya Line
    • 11:10 Arrive at Tsukiji Station
    • 11:10 〜11:50 Guide through Tsukiji Hongwanji Temple and Tsukiji Market
    • 11:50 〜12:40 Lunch at Tsukiji Market (Sushi Tsukijiya)
    • 12:40〜13:00 After guiding through Namiyoke Shrine and Tsukiji Market, walk toward Ginza
    • 13:10〜13:20 Guide through Kabukiza Theatre, Mitsukoshi, and Kyukyodo
    • 13:20 Return from Ginza 4-chome to Conrad Tokyo by taxi
    • 13:30 Arrive at Conrad Tokyo

    What Is a Private Tokyo Walking Tour Like? A Licensed Guide's Report on the Imperial Palace, Tsukiji, and Ginza The guests were visitors from Oceania, and they thoroughly enjoyed the tour. Throughout the day, I made sure to check in on their walking pace, especially when climbing station stairs, which they took slowly and carefully. Because we had walked a great deal, at the final stop in Ginza the guests preferred to return to their accommodation by taxi, so I hailed a taxi and we headed back. They seemed to love both the Imperial Palace and Tsukiji, taking many photos at each. They also enjoyed the sushi for lunch at Tsukiji Market and the ice cream afterward, and it was a delightful tour full of smiles. Starting tomorrow they will travel by cruise to Kagoshima, Korea, Vietnam, and Singapore, and they said today gave them wonderful memories of Japan.

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1SubwayShimbashi~Hibiya180JPY
    Section 2SubwayHibiya~Tsukiji180JPY
    Total360JPY

    Hello and how do you do?
    My name is Nobuo Kokure, and please call me Nobby for short, if you want.
    Let me introduce myself. I was born in Hayama, a beach resort area, Kanagawa prefecture, south of Tokyo. And I’m now living in Saginuma, Kawasaki city.
    When I was a university student, I had the opportunities of doing a home stay with a family In U.S.A., Australia, and England, as a youth exchange student.
    After graduation from the university, I started working at American Life Insurance Company, Japan (Alico, Japan), which is a group member company of AIG, now MetLife Insurance Company. I could have a chance to visit the head office and the field offices of U.S.A., Wilmington in Delaware, New York, Boston, Chicago, Fort Lauderdale in Florida, Los Angeles, while I was working for Alico, Japan (Now, MetLife Insurance company).
    I had been working for MetLife Insurance Company for about 38 years, in total.
    After retiring from the life insurance company, I started working as a tour guide, because I wanted to become a tour guide to introduce culture, history, and manners and customs of Japan in English. It’s so different between my previous job and the guide business, but I like guide business a lot.
    I can meet so many people from all over the world and the guide business has been thriving after the pandemic.
    I have implemented the tour over 240 times, introduced Japan to more than 4300 tourists from 53 countries.

    Not only Tokyo, but I have experienced touring around Nikko, Kamakura, Mt. Fuji & Hakone area, Takayama, Kanazawa, Nagoya, Kyoto, Nara, Osaka, and Hiroshima, etc. which are all very famous as a tourist spot in Japan.
    If you go on a tour in Tokyo, you must see and visit Asakusa Sensoji Temple which is the oldest Buddhist Temple in Tokyo with histories and Nakamise Shopping Street where you can buy the souvenirs and try to taste Japanese sweets, such as doll cake which is the sponge cake in various shapes filled with red bean paste and Japanese powdered tea ice cream. Another my recommendation in Tokyo to visit is Meiji Shrine, Harajuku, and Shibuya. Meiji Shrine is one of the biggest shrines in Japan with quiet and peaceful atmosphere and magnificent site.
    Harajuku and Shibuya are both fun to visit for shopping and experience the Shibuya Crossing.
    I usually propose my tentative itinerary and ask if my plan is all right with the customer or not. My hobby is traveling around Japan and foreign countries and going to the gym for exercise.
    I would like to work as a guide as long as possible if I’m in good health and my legs are strong, because I love this job.
    I put my importance on the mind of OMOTENASHI which means sincere hospitality, though safety during the tour takes precedence, number one priority, before anything else.

    I’m very looking forward to seeing you and touring with you in Japan soon.
    Thank you!

    Best regards,

    Nobuo Kokure (Nobby)

    Jul 20, 2026
    JEFF_D
    Viator review: Tokyo Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide
    Tokyo In A Day Tour with Nobuo
    The excursion…

    Apr 18, 2026
    Traveler10250323486
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    We had a great day with a Japanese guide who seemed like…

    Sep 23, 2025
    johnsL7185LE
    Brilliant family day trip with Nobuo
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo 4hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Nobuo Kokure is a wonderful guide.…

    Aug 4, 2025
    leslie_w
    Nobby was an awesome tour…
    Viator review: Tokyo 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Nobby was an awesome tour guide. Very…

  • Osaka Customized Half-Day Tour

    Osaka Customized Half-Day Tour

    Tour Itinerary

    • 14:00 Meet at Hotel, departure ➡ By JR to Osaka Castle (14:30~16:00) ➡ By subway to Shitennoji Temple (16:30~17:00)  ➡ By taxi to Dotonbori (17:30~18:00) ➡ Disband at Dotonbori (18:00)

    Title: What Can You See on a Private Day Tour of Osaka? A Licensed Guide's Report The guests were a group visiting from Oceania who had just arrived from Tokyo and were staying at a hotel near USJ in Osaka. They planned to enjoy USJ from early morning until late at night the following day. Today they asked to be shown the highlights of Osaka, so I guided them to Osaka Castle, Shitennoji Temple, and Dotonbori. At Shitennoji Temple, I took them to a pond where many turtles were climbing onto the rocks to bask in the sun, which delighted one of the guests. It came just as they were starting to feel tired from walking, so it made for a nice break. In Dotonbori, I introduced them to several dining spots for dinner, and the tour came to an end.

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1SubwayUniversal City~Osakajokoen240JPY
    Section 2TrainTanimachi 4-chome~Shitennoji-mae Yuhigaoka190JPY
    Total430JPY

    Hello! I’m Emi (meaning “smile” or “laugh” in Japanese) , born, raised, and living in Osaka for more than half a century. I’ve been working as a government-licensed tour guide since 2018 after early retirement from a company. My favorite things are hiking, cooking, eating, laughing, learning different cultures, jazz, playing the chromatic harmonica, etc.
    I’ll provide you with a few suggested itineraries first, but of course I’ll be happy to provide you with a flexible itinerary according to your preferences and requests and to help you enjoy your stay in Kyoto, Osaka, Nara, Kobe, etc. I can also offer a tour visiting not only popular destinations but also hidden or less-crowded places.
    I’m looking forward to meeting and guiding you!!

    Jul 17, 2026
    TROY_R
    Viator review: Osaka Customized Half-Day Tour with Licensed Local Guide
    This was a perfect tour…
    This was a perfect tour of…

    Sep 18, 2025
    L9831WKjenniferb
    4 hour Kyoto tour with English speaking guide
    Tripadvisor review: Kyoto 4hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Lovely afternoon with English…

    Aug 15, 2025
    SuperGC68
    Great value
    Tripadvisor review: Kyoto 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    We had a two day 6hr tour with our guide…

    Jul 4, 2025
    Inspire64445626178
    Delightful day with Emi
    Tripadvisor review: Kyoto 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    We had a delightful day with our guide…

  • Tokyo in One Day: Shinjuku Station & Shibuya Station

    Tokyo in One Day: Shinjuku Station & Shibuya Station

    Tour Itinerary

    • 10:00 Meeting place: Hotel Sunroute Plaza Shinjuku
    • 10:10 Depart Shinjuku Station
    • (Tokyo Metro Marunouchi Line)
    • Kasumigaseki Station
    • (Tokyo Metro Hibiya Line)
    • 10:40 Arrive Tsukiji Station
    • Tsukiji Tsukiji Outer Market
    • 11:15 Depart Tsukiji Station
    • (Tokyo Metro Hibiya Line)
    • Ueno Station
    • (Tokyo Metro Ginza Line)
    • 11:30 Arrive Asakusa Station
    • Asakusa Senso-ji Temple
    • Asakusa Shrine
    • Nakamise-dori Shopping Street
    • 12:30 Depart Asakusa Station
    • (Tokyo Metro Ginza Line)
    • Nihombashi Station
    • (Tokyo Metro Tozai Line)
    • 13:00 Arrive Otemachi Station
    • Tokyo Imperial Palace East Gardens
    • Nijubashi Bridge
    • 13:45 Depart Otemachi Station
    • (Tokyo Metro Chiyoda Line)
    • 14:00 Arrive Meiji-jingumae Station
    • Harajuku Meiji Shrine
    • Break: Cafe Terrace Meiji Jingu
    • Takeshita Street
    • 15:00 Depart Omotesando Station
    • (Tokyo Metro Ginza Line)
    • 15:15 Arrive Shibuya Station
    • Shibuya Scramble Crossing
    • Hachiko Statue
    • 15:45 Depart Shibuya Station
    • (JR Yamanote Line)
    • 16:00 Arrive Shinjuku Station
    • 16:00 Dismissal: Shinjuku Station

    Title: What Can You See on a Full-Day Private Tokyo Tour? A Licensed Guide's Report on Tsukiji, Asakusa, the Imperial Palace, Meiji Shrine, and Shibuya The guests were a group visiting Japan for the first time from North America. One of the guests had a strong interest in Japanese railways and subways. This was a two-week trip to Japan. They planned to climb Mount Fuji over the next couple of days, then travel to Kyoto, Osaka, and Hiroshima before returning to Tokyo and heading home. They had arrived at Haneda Airport the previous evening, taking a limousine bus to the hotel. The night before, they had strolled around Kabukicho. Their wish was to visit as many of Tokyo's main spots as time allowed. The tour took place under clear skies in intense summer heat. We met at the hotel. From Shinjuku Station, we first headed to the Tsukiji market. It was a closed day, so about half of the shops were closed, but the area was still overflowing with many tourists. I explained "the history of Tokyo's fish markets since the Edo period" and "the difference between the Toyosu market and the Tsukiji Outer Market." There were also questions and comments such as "Do all Tokyo residents come here to buy fish?" and "It's crowded, but it seems like there are a lot of tourists after all." After this, we moved to Asakusa. As always, it was crowded with many tourists. I explained "the history of Asakusa and Senso-ji Temple." We then set off from in front of Kaminarimon Gate. I explained "what the five-story pagoda is for," "what Buddhism is," and "the difference between Buddhism and Shinto." We took commemorative photos in front of Kaminarimon Gate and the five-story pagoda. We slowly strolled through the Nakamise shopping street. There were questions such as "How many Buddhists are there in Japan?", "What other religions do people believe in besides Buddhism?", and "Are there Christians in Japan?" We moved to the Imperial Palace. I explained "the history from the Edo period to the Meiji era," "the Meiji Restoration," and "why Edo Castle became the Imperial Palace." There were questions such as "What happened to the shogun and samurai after the Meiji Restoration?", "Does the current Emperor of Japan hold any political power?", and "Who is the next Emperor?" Within the East Gardens, the guests enthusiastically took photos all around. We moved to Harajuku. First, we went to Meiji Shrine. There were many groups of foreign visitors. I explained "about Shinto," "about the torii gate," "about Emperor Meiji," "why sake barrels are displayed," and "why wine barrels are displayed." There were questions such as "How do Buddhism and Shinto differ?" and "When was Shinto established?" We rested for a while at the Meiji Shrine café terrace. We then strolled along Takeshita Street before heading to Shibuya. First, we took photos looking down at Scramble Square from the platform of the Keio Inokashira Line, then actually crossed the intersection. There were also questions such as "Why do so many people gather here?" and "Are there more locals or more tourists?" We also took photos in front of the Hachiko statue and strolled through Center Street. There were comments and questions such as "The subway system is exceptionally well developed, and I was impressed. It's far more advanced than the New York subway," "Tokyo feels like a clean and safe city," "Is eating and drinking allowed on the subway?", and "There's no litter on the streets, so why aren't there any trash cans?" I saw them off at Shinjuku Station, where we parted ways.

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1TrainShinjuku (Tokyo Metro)~Tsukiji210JPY
    Section 2TrainTsukiji~Asakusa210JPY
    Section 3TrainAsakusa~Otemachi (Tokyo)180JPY
    Section 4TrainOtemachi (Tokyo)~Meiji-jingumae210JPY
    Section 5TrainMeiji-jingumae~Shibuya180JPY
    Section 6TrainShibuya~Shinjuku170JPY
    Total1,160JPY

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

    Jul 21, 2026
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  • Tochigi in One Day: Lake Chuzenji & Luggage follow-up

    Tochigi in One Day: Lake Chuzenji & Luggage follow-up

    Tour Itinerary

    • 11:30  Meet the client at Tobu-Nikko Station
    • 11:40 Board the bus bound for Lake Chuzenji
    • 12:25 Arrive at Lake Chuzenji
    • 12:30~13:00 Visit Kegon Falls
    • 13:10~14:00 Lunch at a lakeside restaurant
    • 14:10~14:20 Souvenir shop
    • 14:30 Board the bus at Lake Chuzenji
    • 15:00 Arrive at Nishisando Entrance
    • 15:10~16:45 Sightseeing at Toshogu Shrine
    • 16:45~17:15 Walk from Toshogu Shrine to Tobu-Nikko Station
    • 17:15~17:25 Luggage follow-up
    • 17:30 Disband at the taxi in front of Tobu-Nikko Station

    Title: What Is a Private Nikko Day Tour Like? A Licensed Guide's Report on Lake Chuzenji, Kegon Falls, and Toshogu Shrine The guests wished to visit Lake Chuzenji, Kegon Falls, and Toshogu Shrine, as well as to enjoy some street food. Although they arrived a little late, I made every effort to fulfill all of their requests. They seemed deeply moved by Kegon Falls, and were also very pleased with the French cuisine we enjoyed afterward by the shore of Lake Chuzenji. Since it felt like the guests wanted to enjoy sightseeing at a relaxed pace, I allotted more time than usual at Lake Chuzenji, and as a result we only visited Toshogu Shrine in the World Heritage area. However, since the guests were the type who wanted to enjoy everything — not only history but also nature — I believe they were very happy with the tour.

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1Free PassTobu-Nikko~Chuzenji Onsen2,300JPY
    Section 2Free PassChuzenji Onsen~Nishisando Entrance0JPY
    Total2,300JPY

    I am a licensed guide based in the Nikko area of Tochigi Prefecture, with a passion for sharing the depth and beauty of this remarkable region.
    In particular, I take great pride in introducing the magnificent World Heritage area, home to Toshogu Shrine, Futarasan Shrine, Rinnoji Temple, and the iconic Shinkyo Bridge. The rich history, spiritual atmosphere, and masterful craftsmanship found there are truly inspiring.
    But Nikko has much more to offer beyond the World Heritage zone. The region is uniquely spread across three different elevation zones: the central town area, the Lake Chuzenji area at higher altitude, and the remote Yumoto Onsen area in the mountains. Each of these areas offers a different charm—from historic sites and sacred spaces to scenic lakes, waterfalls, and hot springs.
    However, due to the area’s wide geography, limited public transit options, and seasonal congestion, even navigating efficiently within a single area can be challenging without local knowledge.
    That’s why local expertise is essential. With in-depth knowledge of Nikko’s layout, transportation network, and crowd patterns, I help my guests make the most of their time, while focusing on the area that suits their interests best.
    I don’t just recite what’s written in guidebooks—I offer deeper insights rooted in Japanese history, religion, and culture. From the legacy of Tokugawa Ieyasu to the spiritual symbolism behind shrine architecture, I aim to provide meaningful and memorable experiences.
    If you’re looking to discover the real Nikko, from its iconic landmarks to hidden gems, I’d be honored to guide you.

    Jul 27, 2026
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    We cannot recommend Taka highly…

    Jun 21, 2026
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