Category: Uncategorized

  • Tokyo Customized Half-Day Tour

    Tokyo Customized Half-Day Tour

    Tokyo Customized Half-Day Tour with Licensed Local Guide

    September, 2025

    Tour Itinerary

    • 16:00 Hotel – 17:00 Meiji Shrine – 18:00 Harajuku Takeshita Street – 19:00 Shibuya Scramble Crossing – 20:00 Asakusa Kaminarimon, dismissal

    Title: What Is a First-Time Private Tokyo Tour Like? A Licensed Guide's Report on Meiji Shrine, Harajuku, and Asakusa The guests were visiting Japan for the first time from South America for a tour of about two weeks. Their planned flight was cancelled, so the tour started a full day later than scheduled, and the guests appeared tired. From Meiji Shrine to Takeshita Street in Harajuku, they stopped at various animal cafés and were quite surprised. We then took a taxi to Shibuya Crossing, and by the time we reached Asakusa, the main hall of Senso-ji Temple was already closed and only a few shops along Nakamise Street remained open. Since the guests were tired, we parted ways at Kaminarimon Gate.

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

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1SubwayRoppongi～Yoyogi180JPY
    Section 2SubwayShibuya～Asakusa260JPY
    Total440JPY

    Tour Report by Michio

    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!

    Request Booking

    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…

  • Osaka in Half a Day: Osaka Castle & Umeda Sky Building

    Osaka in Half a Day: Osaka Castle & Umeda Sky Building

    Osaka Customized Half-Day Tour with Licensed Local Guide

    September, 2025

    Tour Itinerary

    • 9:00 Hotel Osaka Meet up
    • 9:40 Osaka Castle
    • 12:00 Umeda Sky Building
    • 13:00 Disband at Umeda Sky Building

    What Is a Private Osaka and Nara Day Tour Like? A Licensed Guide's Report Today I guided a group visiting from Europe, who had already traveled to Tokyo, Kamakura, Hakone, Kyoto, and Hiroshima. Today they explored Osaka and Nara, and were planning to visit the Expo the following day. Since it was cloudy, it was not too hot, and there were relatively few tourists, so we were able to enjoy the day at a leisurely pace. They took their time enjoying the views from Osaka Castle and the Umeda Sky Building, and as they seemed to enjoy taking photos, I believe they had a great time capturing many nice pictures thanks to the small crowds.

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

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1SubwayNamba (Subway)～Tanimachi 4-chome240JPY
    Section 2SubwayTanimachi 4-chome～Higashi-Umeda240JPY
    Total480JPY

    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…

  • Kyoto in One Day: To-ji Temple & Sagano Bamboo Forest

    Kyoto in One Day: To-ji Temple & Sagano Bamboo Forest

    Kyoto Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide

    September, 2025

    Tour Itinerary

    • 08:30 to 09:30 To-ji Temple
    • 10:00 to 11:00 Nijo Castle
    • 11:30 to 12:20 Kinkaku-ji Temple
    • 12:45 to 13:15 Sagano Bamboo Forest
    • 13:30 Disband at Tenryu-ji Temple

    What Is a Half-Day Private Kyoto Tour Like? A Licensed Guide's Report Today's guests were a group of four visiting from Asia. We traveled by public transportation, taking a bus to our first stop, Toji Temple. However, since one of the guests had difficulty walking, continuing the tour by public transportation seemed challenging, so we switched to traveling by taxi instead. The group had a reservation for shojin ryori (Buddhist vegetarian cuisine) at Tenryuji Temple starting at 1:30, so I planned the tour to explore the popular spots in western Kyoto while making sure we arrived in time. I believe they spent a fulfilling half day.

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

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1BusShimogyo Ward Government Building/Kyoto City Bus～To-ji South Gate/Kyoto City Bus230JPY
    Total230JPY

    Tour Report by Haru

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

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

    Let’s enjoy Japan with me !!

    Request Booking

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

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

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

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

  • Mt. Fuji View Shimizu Customized Tour

    Mt. Fuji View Shimizu Customized Tour

    Mt. Fuji View Shimizu Customized Tour with Licensed Guide

    September, 2025

    Tour Itinerary

    • Hinode Wharf – (Walk) – Front of Verkehr Museum – (Bus) – Miho no Matsubara – (Taxi) – Nihondaira Ropeway Station – (Ropeway) – Kunozan – (Ropeway) – Nihondaira Ropeway Station – (Walk) – Hotel (Lunch: Fukian) – (Shuttle Bus) – Shizuoka Station – (Walk) – Sunpu Castle Park, Tatsumi Turret – (Walk) – Shin-Shizuoka Station – (Shizutetsu Train) – Shin-Shimizu – (Bus) – Front of Verkehr Museum – (Walk) – Hinode Wharf

    Title: What Is a Private Miho no Matsubara and Nihondaira Tour Like in Shizuoka? A Licensed Guide's Report At Miho and Nihondaira, there were other international and Japanese travelers from the same cruise ship nearby, and everyone greeted one another warmly. The guests seemed to be enjoying themselves as part of a large group of fellow travelers on the same voyage. They showed interest in many different things, which made guiding them very rewarding. We were able to see Mount Fuji both from the departure point at Hinode Pier and at Miho no Matsubara (it clouded over afterward), so it was a lucky start. However, right after arriving at Miho no Matsubara, the taxi company I called handled the request poorly. After 20 minutes with no taxi, I called again and was told the request had been canceled. I placed the request once more, but was told it would take more than 20 minutes, so we passed some time at "Mihoshirube" before going to the taxi stand. When the taxi still did not arrive, I called and was told I should already be on board — it seemed they had picked up someone else without confirming who had made the request. I then called a different taxi company, waited a while, and finally secured a way to get to Nihondaira. This took nearly an hour, and we ended up spending precious time just waiting for a taxi, but the guests waited patiently. After that, they were very pleased with both the ropeway and the Nihondaira Hotel. The sushi lunch at the Nihondaira Hotel was excellent. The guests even offered to pay for my portion as well. Since taking a taxi is the only way to get from Miho no Matsubara to Nihondaira, if there are any guides who plan to lead tours along this kind of route, I would like to share this experience so they can be careful with arranging taxis and at the taxi stand in front of Mihoshirube.

    Click here for more details: Mt. Fuji View Shimizu Customized Tour with Licensed Guide

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1OtherHatoba Verkehr Museum / Shizutetsu Just Line～Miho no Matsubara Entrance / Shizutetsu Just Line340JPY
    Section 2TrainShin-Shizuoka / Shizuoka City, Shizuoka Prefecture～Shin-Shimizu350JPY
    Section 3BusShin-Shimizu / Shizutetsu Just Line～Hatoba Verkehr Museum / Shizutetsu Just Line200JPY
    Total890JPY

    Tour Report by Peggy

    I am relatively a novice guide but probably I am interested in quite a range of cultural and historical aspects of Japanese pursuits. After living in Tokyo for more than 20 years followed by seven year life in Britain, I have lived more than twenty years in Shizuoka and I now appreciate life in this mild, gentle and resourceful Shizuoka. I believe these will help me to talk about Shizuoka and Japan. My tea master is a distinguished man of learning and taste; the Kyonui (Japanese embroidery) master with whom I learn needlework is an extraordinary person. My academic field is eighteenth-century Britain. And I am involved in some projects that are supported by Shizuoka University and local entrepreneurs.

    Request Booking

    Jun 5, 2026
    Voyage28079731367
    Tripadvisor review: Shizuoka/Shimizu Mt Fuji View 6 hr Private Tour: Guide Only
    Mika: an excellent guide in Shimizu
    We had a…

    Sep 6, 2025
    Amee_H
    Mt Fuji
    Viator review: Shizuoka/Shimizu Mt Fuji View 6 hr Private Tour: Guide Only
    Great opportunity to see such a beautiful…

    Aug 7, 2025
    Scott_D
    Perfect Day with Expert & Generous Tour Guide in Shimizu
    Viator review: Port Pick-Up: Shizuoka Tour with Licensed Guide and Vehicle…

  • Nagasaki in One Day: Nagasaki Museum of History and Culture

    Nagasaki in One Day: Nagasaki Museum of History and Culture

    Nagasaki Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide

    September, 2025

    Tour Itinerary

    • 10:30 Meet
    • 11:00 Nagasaki Museum of History and Culture
    • 13:00 Shinchi Chinatown (Lunch)
    • 14:00 Tojin Yashiki Ruins
    • 14:30 Kaisei High School Tour
    • 15:00 Confucius Shrine
    • 15:30 Break at a Cafe
    • 16:20 Glover Garden
    • 18:00 Dinner in Hamanomachi
    • 19:00 Watching Nagasaki Kunchi Practice
    • 16:30 Glover Garden

    What Is a Local Private Tour of Nagasaki Like? A Licensed Guide's Report Because the guests wanted to see more local places rather than the famous tourist spots of Nagasaki, I took them to a school in my area and explained how the Christian history of Nagasaki influenced the daily lives of Nagasaki's residents. At the Nagasaki Museum of History and Culture, giving the guests an overall understanding of Nagasaki's history and culture made the rest of the tour flow more smoothly, and their understanding seemed to deepen. When I took them to a café I had become friendly with through my work, they bought many souvenirs there. At Glover Garden, the guests enjoyed the view of Nagasaki Port, and at the Nagasaki Traditional Performing Arts Museum, they watched the videos and exhibits about Nagasaki Kunchi with great interest. Afterwards, I took them to a Nagasaki Kunchi practice session, and they were impressed by how hard the children were working. In addition, an acquaintance of mine is deeply involved in Nagasaki Kunchi, and this person gave us a tenugui hand towel. This unexpected surprise made me happy, and the guests were delighted as well. They said they would love to come and see the actual Nagasaki Kunchi someday, and they gave me the very kind words that they would like to ask me to guide them again at that time. Nagasaki Kunchi is what first sparked my own interest in history and culture, so it was a day that gave me the greatest joy a guide could feel.

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

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1OtherNankou Rear Gate / Nagasaki Bus～Nagasaki Station250JPY
    Section 2OtherCity Hall～Shinchi Chinatown150JPY
    Section 3OtherOura Cathedral～Hamamachi Arcade150JPY
    Section 4TrainSofukuji Temple～Nagasaki Station150JPY
    Section 5OtherNagasaki Station～Nankou Rear Gate / Nagasaki Bus250JPY
    Total950JPY

    Tour Report by Coco

    Hello, I’m Rikako, but please call me Coco. It would be my absolute pleasure to show you around my hometown of Nagasaki. Having performed in the Nagasaki Kunchi Festival in my childhood, I developed a deep interest in history and cultural exchange. This motivated me to become a National Government Licensed Guide Interpreter during my university years. Since then, I have gained valuable experience—from assisting ambassadors at the Nagasaki Peace Memorial Ceremony to handling a wide variety of tours, including private and coach tours, site inspections, international conference support, and VIP hospitality.
    Explaining about Nagasaki’s history and culture is the most important to me. It is not only about this. I would love to provide genuine care so that your time in Nagasaki remains in your heart forever.
    I’m truly looking forward to guiding you in Nagasaki 🙂

    Request Booking

    Jul 21, 2026
    Dawnery_V
    Viator review: Nagasaki Customized Private Tour by Car with Licensed Guide
    Beautiful city. Great guide.
    Rikako was a great guide. She…

    Jun 16, 2026
    Todd_C
    Viator review: Nagasaki Full-Day Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Had a very nice…
    Had a very nice experience. Coco was very…

    Apr 12, 2026
    Explore34946025848
    Tripadvisor review: Nagasaki Full-Day Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Nagasaki
    Really good day out with a local guide, very informative about…

    Apr 4, 2026
    Giovanni_M
    Viator review: Nagasaki Full Day Tour with Licensed Guide and Vehicle
    Good
    Nagasaki is a very interesting tour
    I would recommend…

  • Tokyo Customized Private Tour in 1 Day

    Tokyo Customized Private Tour in 1 Day

    Tokyo Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide

    September, 2025

    Tour Itinerary

    • 9:00 Hotel – 9:30 Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building Observatory – 10:30 Meiji Shrine – 11:10 Harajuku Takeshita Street – 11:50 Akasaka Palace State Guest House – 14:00 Ginza Lunch – 14:45 Pokemon Center DX – 15:15 Akihabara Dismissal

    Title: What Does a Private One-Day Tokyo Tour Including the Akasaka Palace State Guest House Look Like? A Licensed Guide's Report The guests were visiting Japan for the first time from North America. Since there was a request to visit the Akasaka Palace State Guest House, I made an advance reservation for the Japanese-style annex "Yushintei," and we started the day at the Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building Observatory. Fortunately, we were able to see Mount Fuji in its summer appearance, which was wonderful. After visiting Meiji Shrine and Takeshita Street in Harajuku, the guests were deeply impressed by both the main building and the Japanese-style annex of the Akasaka Palace State Guest House. At a long-established sushi restaurant in Ginza where we went for lunch, they were amazed by how delicious it was. They were able to fully enjoy Japanese culture, history, and cuisine. This private one-day Tokyo tour was arranged through [Japan Guide Agency (JGA Inc.)](https://www.j-g-a.org/), one of Japan's largest networks of government-licensed, English-speaking private tour guides serving all 47 prefectures.

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

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1BusJunisha Ikenoshita / Keio Bus～Sangubashi Station (Koma Terrace Nishi-Sando-mae) / Keio Bus230JPY
    Section 2SubwayMeiji Shrine (Harajuku Station) / Shibuya Ward, Tokyo～Tameike-Sanno Station / Minato Ward, Tokyo280JPY
    Section 3SubwayKokkai-gijidomae～Yotsuya180JPY
    Section 4SubwayYotsuya～Ginza180JPY
    Section 5SubwayGinza～Nihonbashi (Tokyo)180JPY
    Section 6SubwayNihonbashi (Tokyo)～Suehirocho (Tokyo)180JPY
    Total1,230JPY

    Tour Report by Michio

    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!

    Request Booking

    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 in One Day: WPU Shinjuku & Fishing Tackle Shop Sansui

    Tokyo in One Day: WPU Shinjuku & Fishing Tackle Shop Sansui

    Tokyo Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide

    September, 2025

    Tour Itinerary

    • 9:00 WPU Shinjuku
    • 9:30 Imperial Palace Nijubashi, Kusunoki Masashige Statue
    • 10:40 Nezu Shrine
    • 11:30 Shinobazu Pond Bentendo
    • 11:50 Lunch @ Ueno Seiyoken
    • 12:30 Ueno Toshogu Shrine
    • 13:00 Fishing Tackle Shop Sansui
    • 13:40 Asakusa Culture Tourist Information Center, Sensoji Temple, etc.
    • 15:10 Dismissal @ WPU Shinjuku

    What's a Private Tokyo Day Tour Like for First-Time Visitors? A Licensed Guide's Report on Ueno and Asakusa I guided a group from North America on a private one-day tour of Tokyo. The trip was a birthday gift, and they planned to spend two days in Tokyo before continuing on to other destinations in Asia. The guests were talkative and full of humor, which made for a pleasant day. The intense heat that continued into September seemed quite hard on them, so we proceeded at a slightly slower pace, walked in the shade as much as possible, and kept hydrated along the way. Since some of the guests could not eat fish or raw fish, and they were already feeling worn out in Ueno, we looked into a restaurant we happened to pass by. It turned out to be surprisingly reasonable and they liked the menu, so we had lunch there. They enjoyed hayashi rice and omurice and were very satisfied. At Toshogu Shrine, they went inside to see the interior. I had heard beforehand that they wanted to visit a fishing tackle shop if possible, so we stopped by one in Ueno. They didn't buy anything, but it seemed to be a good shop. Asakusa was much less crowded than usual, perhaps due to the heat. The guests seemed a little unsure about how to get to Shinjuku Gyoen, where they planned to go on their own the next day, so I explained the route carefully. As originally planned, I saw them off at their hotel, received words of gratitude, and the tour came to an end.

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

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1SubwayShinjuku～Kasumigaseki (Tokyo)180JPY
    Section 2SubwayNijubashimae～Nezu180JPY
    Section 3BusNezu Shrine Entrance / Toei Bus～Ikenohata 1-chome / Toei Bus210JPY
    Section 4SubwayUeno-hirokoji～Asakusa180JPY
    Section 5SubwayAsakusa～Shinjuku360JPY
    Total1,110JPY

    Tour Report by Takako

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

    Request Booking

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

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

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

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

  • Tokyo Customized Private Tour in 1 Day

    Tokyo Customized Private Tour in 1 Day

    Tokyo Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide

    September, 2025

    Tour Itinerary

    • 0930 The Okura Tokyo (10 minutes from Tameike-Sanno or Toranomon on the Ginza Line) meeting
    • 1020 Asakusa　Culture Tourist Information Center　Nakamise　Sensoji Temple　Asakusa Shrine　After that, guests experience a rickshaw ride (30 minutes)
    • 1310 Harajuku　Meiji Shrine visit　Takeshita Street
    • 1515 Shibuya　Hachiko Statue　Scramble Crossing
    • 　　 As the guests will now be heading to "Uobei Shibuya Dogenzaka Store,"
    • 1525 Dismissal after crossing the Scramble Crossing

    Title: What's a Private Walking Tour of Tokyo's Asakusa, Meiji Shrine, and Shibuya Like? A Licensed Guide's Report The guests were visitors from North America, on their first trip to Japan. They told me that after arriving yesterday, they had gone to a "sumo show" in the evening. They would be staying in Tokyo for several days and then travel around the Kansai area and Mount Fuji. During the pre-tour arrangements, the guests expressed a strong wish to ride a rickshaw in Asakusa, so after my guiding ended, they found an English-speaking rickshaw driver near Kaminarimon and experienced a 30-minute course for 10,000 yen. They did not do any particular shopping in Asakusa. According to the original itinerary, the guests planned to go to a conveyor-belt sushi restaurant in Shibuya after we parted ways there, so lunch had been skipped. However, on the way to visiting Meiji Shrine, near the offered sake barrels, they got hungry and took out a snack. Since eating while walking is not appropriate there, we took a short break at the cafeteria at Forest Terrace. There, they had ramen and gyudon (beef bowl). After that, they visited the main shrine, and I guided them to Takeshita Street. In Shibuya, I thought perhaps they had had enough and no longer needed the conveyor-belt sushi, but they still wanted to go, so we crossed the scramble intersection and parted ways there.

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

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1SubwayTameike-Sanno～Asakusa210JPY
    Section 2SubwayAsakusa～Meiji-jingumae260JPY
    Section 3TrainHarajuku～Shibuya150JPY
    Total620JPY

    Tour Report by Ted

    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.

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    Jul 2, 2026
    Susan M
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Family fun in Tokyo.
    A wonderful day. Ted customized our tour…

    Jun 26, 2026
    ann r
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Educational with kind, generous guide
    My teenage sons and I learned…

    Jun 14, 2026
    141yunb
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Can’t believe all that we got to see in 6 hours
    We…

    May 18, 2026
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    Beth56646
    Great tour
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Ted and I agreed upon what we would see…

  • Hyogo in Half a Day: Egret Himeji & Nadagiku Sake Brewery

    Hyogo in Half a Day: Egret Himeji & Nadagiku Sake Brewery

    Himeji Castle Half-Day Customized Tour with Licensed Guide

    September, 2025

    Tour Itinerary

    • 10:00 Meet @ JR Himeji Station
    • 10:15 @ Egret Himeji
    • 10:45 @ Kokoen Garden
    • 11:15 @ Himeji Castle
    • 13:15 @ Nadagiku Sake Brewery
    • 14:00 Dismissal @ Food court inside JR Himeji Station

    What's a Private Himeji Castle Tour Like in Summer? A Licensed Guide's Report The guests were a group from North America. Since some of them found walking difficult, we proceeded today by taking frequent breaks in the extreme heat. Everyone seemed very satisfied with the panoramic view of Himeji Castle from the rooftop of Egret Himeji. At each spot, the guests also listened attentively to my explanations. The final stop, Nadagiku Sake Brewery, turned out to be temporarily closed, which caused a brief moment of worry, but after inquiring with a staff member, I was relieved to learn that visits were possible with some restrictions. After the tour of the brewery, the guests were even able to purchase souvenirs at the shop. (There did not seem to be any notice of the closure online.) As usual, I presented handmade drawstring pouches made by my sister to the guests, who were very pleased. After the tour, the guests planned to return to Osaka, but wanted to have a light meal first, so I guided them to the food court inside JR Himeji Station, explained how to take the special rapid train back, and we parted ways. I am also scheduled to guide the same guests on a Kobe tour in a couple of days. Note) It was extremely hot again today. Inside Himeji Castle, I saw a middle-aged person who had likely collapsed from mild heatstroke and was waiting for an ambulance. This made me realize it is not someone else's problem, and that we must pay close attention to this abnormal heat and have guests take breaks as needed. (Especially for older guests, it may be necessary to have them take breaks, even somewhat insistently.)

    Click here for more details: Himeji Castle Half-Day Customized Tour with Licensed Guide

    Tour Report by Yama

    Dear my guests,

    This is (Mr.) Yama, greeting from Kobe, Japan.
    I would like to warmly welcome you to Japan this time. I am from the city of Kobe, which is of course, well-known for very tasty Kobe Beef . You can taste
    real genuine Kobe Beef here. Kobe is also called “Home of Japanese Sake” with lots of Sake breweries, and I recommend you would visit those breweries
    if you have any interest in Japanese Sake as well as one aspect of Japanese cultures. Of course, you can have tastings of various kinds of Sake there.

    Whenever during the tour, I always try to make it safe, pleasant and comfortable for all of the guests, which is my first priority. I am very much confident
    that you can have a pleasant and unforgettable experience in Japan. Just tell me about your preference; what you would like to like to see, have, know
    and eat and so on. Particularly, I hold the license for cooking qualified by the government here and maybe, I can reply you for questions related to the
    foods here. In this respect, I strongly recommend you would try not only famous Japanese cuisine such as Sushi, Tempura or Suki-yaki but some
    Japanese traditional local foods, like Tako-yaki, Okonomi-yaki and Kushkatsu. They are sometimes called the soul foods of Japan. Here is the brief
    explanation for these three foods.

    1) Tako-yaki
    Tako-yaki is a snack filled with pieces of octopus in a batter of flour , egg and soup stock. You can call them octopus dumplings or balls. “Tako” means
    octopus and “yaki” means grilled or broiled.
    2) Okonomi-yaki
    This word Okonomi-yaki means “cook just as you like” and you can use whatever you like as toppings, such as beef, pork, shrimp, squid and octopus.
    Okonomi-yaki is round shape and just like pancakes or pizza in shape mainly made from egg, flour and water.
    3) Kushi-katsu
    Kushi-katsu is skewered cutlet or deep-fried foods on a stick. “Kushi” means skewer and “katsu” means cutlet. Various kinds of foods are used for
    ingredients such as beef, pork, chicken, shrimp, squid, octopus and lots of kinds of vegetables.

    Actually, the western Japan including Osaka, Kobe and Himeji is called as “Home of such local soul foods”. You should give it a try and I am sure
    that you like them very much.

    I sincerely hope that I can be your tour guide this time in Kobe, Osaka and Himeji. If my guests said to me after the tour, “I have had a very good
    and pleasant time with you today. I hope I can come here again and name you as our guide”, which is my great pleasure. Moreover, I would be
    great honored if they say “I like Japan now thanks to you”.

    Looking forward to meeting you soon here.
    Doomo Arigato Gozaimasu!
    Yama

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    Jul 25, 2026
    Hdixjdixj
    Tripadvisor review: Osaka Local Food & Culture Tour in 1 Day, Licensed Guide
    Amazing Food Tour through Osaka
    We were taken…

    Jul 20, 2026
    Eric_W
    Viator review: Himeji Castle & Koko-en in 1 Day Tour with Licensed Guide
    Castle journey worth your time!
    Our tour with…

    Jul 13, 2026
    Diane_B
    Viator review: Kobe Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide
    Our tour guide Yama was amazing!!
    Our tour guide…

    Jul 4, 2026
    Navigator661725
    Tripadvisor review: Osaka 4hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    A wonderful time!
    We absolutely loved this tour. Yama was attentive, was…

  • Tokyo in One Day: Yoyogi Park & Harajuku Takeshita Street

    Tokyo in One Day: Yoyogi Park & Harajuku Takeshita Street

    Tokyo Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide

    September, 2025

    Tour Itinerary

    • 10:00 Meet at Mimaru Suites, Asakusa
    • 10:55 Bought sashimi and more at Tsukiji Fish Market, ate on the rooftop
    • 12:55 Yoyogi Park
    • 13:10 Went to Meiji Shrine, but turned back partway due to the heat
    • 14:00 Harajuku Takeshita Street
    • 15:15 Shopping at Nihonbashi Takashimaya; took some time with tax-free procedures at the basement confectionery section
    • 16:45 Disband at Mimaru Suites, Asakusa

    Title: What's a Private Day Tour of Tokyo from Asakusa Like in Summer? A Licensed Guide's Report The private tour began after meeting the guests at a hotel in Asakusa, where we purchased a 24-hour transit pass at Asakusa Station and set off. At Tsukiji, the guests had planned to buy and eat sashimi at the fish market, so they bought sashimi and rice and enjoyed it on the rooftop, and seemed very satisfied. The next stop was meant to be Yoyogi Park, but due to the extreme heat we changed our destination to Meiji Shrine. Even in the shade there it was still hot, so we gave up partway and moved on to Takeshita Street. We cooled off in a shop along the way, but because of the heat the guests decided to skip the planned visit to the Shibuya Crossing and indicated they wished to head back. Before that, one of the guests had expressed a wish to buy sashiko and a national flag, so I judged that a department store would be cool and comfortable, and we stopped by Nihonbashi Takashimaya on the way back. There, however, one of the guests wanted to buy souvenirs and purchased a large quantity of cookies, which required tax-free processing. This pushed back our schedule and made the return to the hotel later than expected. I considered parting ways at the station, but since one of the guests mentioned they might have left their smartphone behind during the tour, I saw them back to the hotel to confirm its whereabouts before ending the tour. The smartphone was found at the hotel.

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

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1Free PassAsakusa～Tsukiji700JPY
    Section 2Free PassTsukiji～Meiji-jingumae0JPY
    Section 3Free PassMeiji-jingumae～Nihonbashi0JPY
    Section 4Free PassNihonbashi～Asakusa0JPY
    Total700JPY

    Tour Report by Koba

    My name is Eiji Kobayashi (Mr.), and I will be your guide during your stay in Tokyo.
    Please call me Koba.
    Allow me to introduce myself. I am a National Government Licensed Guide Interpreter of Japan and an expert in Japanese history and culture, and also in nursing and health. I usually work as a Public Health Nurse (PHN) at a Public Health Center in Tokyo, and I hold a Registered Nurse (RN) license. Additionally, I have a Ph.D. in medical science.
    Born in 1957 and raised in Tokyo, I have worked for 33 years mainly in the research and development area for some pharmaceutical companies. Then, I changed my career to nursing and entered a university to obtain a PHN and RN license. I took the Licensed Guide for preparation for the Tokyo 2020 Olympics and volunteered in the Olympic and Paralympic Games in 2021.

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    Jul 21, 2026
    scottsD8777AR
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo Customized Half-Day Tour with Licensed Local Guide
    Great Touring Tokyo
    Koba is an excellent tour guide. We greatly…

    Jul 9, 2026
    Quest36994121691
    First visit to Tokyo
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide
    This was our first visit…

    Jul 8, 2026
    Χρονης Π
    A beautiful tour
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide
    It was a perfect experience…

    Jul 5, 2026
    I3699SBjonathanw
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    6hr Tokyo guide great experience
    Koba was so nice to my family…