Category: Uncategorized

  • Kyoto in Half a Day: Fushimi Inari & Nishiki Market

    Kyoto in Half a Day: Fushimi Inari & Nishiki Market

    Tour Itinerary

    • 11:00 Hotel Kyoto station Meeting
    • 11:30 Fushimi Inari
    • 13:00 Sanjusangendo
    • 13:45 Kiyomizu-dera
    • 15:00 Nishiki Market

    What Is a Private Kyoto Day Tour Like? A Licensed Guide's Report Covering Fushimi Inari, Pontocho, and Nishiki Market The guests were a close group visiting from Europe. I sent three emails to the guest contact email address but received no reply. I also sent a text message to the phone number with no response, so I left a message at their accommodation. In the end, it turned out that the guests had not received any of the emails and only saw the message left at their hotel. When we met, they said they would leave the choice of destinations up to me, so I took them to easily accessible sightseeing spots. Fortunately the heat was bearable, and they enjoyed each of the spots. When I explained the stable of the white horse at Fushimi Inari, one of the guests mentioned working with racehorses. Since we started at 11:00 and moved on without lunch, I suggested Nishiki Market as our final stop. After strolling through Pontocho and Shinkyogoku, we said goodbye at the entrance of Nishiki Market.

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1TrainKyoto~Inari150JPY
    Section 2OtherFushimi Inari~Shichijo170JPY
    Section 3BusMuseum Sanjusangendo-mae / Kyoto City Bus~Kiyomizu-michi / Kyoto City Bus230JPY
    Section 4BusKiyomizu-michi / Kyoto City Bus~Shijo Kawaramachi / Kyoto City Bus230JPY
    Total780JPY

    I am Naoki Nakatani. I live in Osaka.
    I started tour guide from 2023 after 40 years
    work experience in Japanese manufacturing company. I am currently teaching Japanese as volunteer staff to foreign residents who live in my community. I have 11 and half years work experience in overseas office and I had interacted with people of foreign countries for a long time enjoying business and friendship with them. My guide experience is still short but I will provide my best service to the guests. I am in a position to prepare the itinerary if guests request and to send any information for the guest to make plan before visit to Japan.

    Jul 11, 2026
    Trevor_F
    Viator review: Osaka Customized Half-Day Tour with Licensed Local Guide
    4 hour Private Tour
    Naomi was our guide and did a…

    Jun 6, 2026
    May_O
    Viator review: Kyoto 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Wonderful time in Kyoto
    We had a terrific time with Naoki. He…

    May 1, 2026
    Sanfrancisco820
    Tripadvisor review: Kyoto 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Choose Naoki – you will have a great day!!
    Naoki is an…

    Mar 28, 2026
    Tanya_R
    Viator review: Osaka 4hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Great guide
    Naoki was very kind and knowledgeable He knew the best…

  • Tokyo in Half a Day: Imperial Palace East & Ginza 4-chome to Ginza Six

    Tokyo in Half a Day: Imperial Palace East & Ginza 4-chome to Ginza Six

    Tour Itinerary

    • 9:00 Meet at Conrad Tokyo
    • 9:40 Imperial Palace East Gardens
    • 10:50 Explain Tokyo Station at Gyoko-dori Avenue
    • 11:20 From Ginza 4-chome to Ginza Six
    • 11:55 Disband at Ginza Six

    Title: What's a Private Half-Day Tokyo Walking Tour Like on a Hot Summer Day? A Licensed Guide's Report It was an extremely hot day with not a single cloud in the sky. I provided a parasol for the guests to use. Since they had Suica cards, the tour proceeded smoothly. Because of the circumstances of the trip, there was a strict condition that we had to return to the Hotel within four hours, and since the sunlight was very strong, I adjusted the two planned locations, the East Gardens of the Imperial Palace and Ginza, to avoid direct sunlight, staying indoors as much as possible and taking breaks along the way. On the way to the East Gardens of the Imperial Palace, we chatted about various topics, and there were many questions about Japanese history and about Tokyo, which I answered. From the East Gardens of the Imperial Palace to Ginza, I had planned to walk outdoors and show them Nijubashi Bridge or Tokyo Station, but the heat was too intense, so I gave up on that and took an underground passage, coming out briefly from underground to explain Tokyo Station, resulting in a simplified route. For Ginza, we went all the way underground to the 4-chome intersection, then came up to the surface and went to Ginza Six, where they could see Skytree and Tokyo Tower from the rooftop. Just as we were about to head back to the Hotel, the guests said they would have a meal at a restaurant there before returning, so the guiding could end, and the tour concluded at 11:55.

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1TrainShimbashi~Takebashi290JPY
    Total290JPY

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

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

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

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

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

  • Shimizu Shore Excursion: Mt. Fuji View Tour

    Shimizu Shore Excursion: Mt. Fuji View Tour

    Tour Itinerary

    • 930 Shimizu Port → Miho no Matsubara → Nihondaira Yume Terrace → Nihondaira Ropeway → Kunozan Toshogu Shrine → Nihondaira Ropeway → Nihondaira Parking Lot → 1300 Shimizu Port

    Can You Do a Private Day Trip to See Mount Fuji from Shizuoka? A Licensed Guide's Report The guests were a group from North America. Since they wished for an itinerary with views of Mount Fuji, I proposed and carried out a plan that took into account the fact that the mountain is usually not visible in the afternoon, and that Miho no Matsubara offers a higher chance of a clear view than the Nihondaira Yume Terrace, so we visited Miho no Matsubara first. As a result, despite it being a summer day, Mount Fuji was seen far more clearly than expected from Miho no Matsubara, and everyone was delighted. The group especially enjoyed playing at the water's edge, and I believe it became a trip that left wonderful memories. By consistently staying ahead of the cruise ship group buses throughout the itinerary, there was almost no waiting time for the ropeway that I had been worried about, which turned out to be the greatest success of the day.

    Since I completely retired from my position at a railway company and started being involved in the tour guide interpreter business, I have experienced almost all types of guiding through FIT, Long Group Tours, Cruises (Shore Excursions), Incentive Tours, Special Interest Tours (Railway Travel, Pilgrimages), Familiarization Tours (Sales Promotion Tours) etc.
    However, I noticed that I am not fully satisfied to only be a general guide who just manages a tour itinerary provided by tour agents/clients.
    High-end guests have sometimes requested me to answer some enquiries that are actually challenging to answer for Japanese nationals. However, I appreciated those because they provided such a challenge and I felt that they wanted to understand my sense of beauty/values as a guide concerning a new culture for them.
    Every time I host my guest I do my best to prepare the most appropriate information based on three travel elements (appetite, logistics, accommodation). Nevertheless, I decided to aim for higher guiding skills after I was motivated by senior guides whose guiding strategies and gestures were particularly impressive.

    Jul 5, 2026
    788amarpals
    Tripadvisor review: Kyoto Top 7 Sights Private Tour with Licensed Guide and Vehicle
    Private tour Guide in Kyoto- Mr Yoshi
    Mr.…

    Mar 17, 2026
    jodonr2026
    Amazing. Go with Yoshi!
    Tripadvisor review: Private Kyoto Tour with Licensed Guide & Vehicle (Max 15 persons)
    We had a fantastic…

    Jan 2, 2026
    Fearless67262385503
    Memorable experience
    Tripadvisor review: Takayama Half-Day Private Tour with Government Licensed Guide
    Our tour guide, Yoshi-san, a sweet and gentle elderly…

    Oct 17, 2025
    Laura_C
    Amazing experience…
    Viator review: Nagano All Must-Sees 4hr Private Tour with Licensed Guide
    Amazing experience getting to see sites outside of…

  • Kyoto: Kofukuji Temple & Yakushiji Temple

    Kyoto: Kofukuji Temple & Yakushiji Temple

    Tour Itinerary

    • 10:00 to 10:45 Kofukuji Temple
    • 10:55 to 11:05 Nara Park
    • 11:15 to 12:00 Todaiji Temple
    • 12:10 to 12:30 Nara Park
    • 12:40 to 13:20 Kasuga Taisha Shrine
    • 13:30 to 14:10 Lunch at Higashimuki Shopping Street
    • 14:40 to 15:10 Yakushiji Temple

    Can You Do a Private Nara Day Trip for Guests Who Prefer Less Walking? A Licensed Guide's Report Today's guests were a group visiting from North America. Since one member of the group preferred not to walk long distances or climb stairs in the heat, I had to think carefully about how to explore the spacious Nara Park in a way that would allow everyone to enjoy the tour without feeling fatigued. Instead of visiting Nigatsudo as originally planned, we went to Yakushiji Temple. Fortunately, we were able to sit for the entire train ride both to and from Nara and Kyoto, so I believe the guests were able to enjoy the tour overall without feeling tired.

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1TrainKyoto Kawaramachi~Karasuma170JPY
    Section 2SubwayShijo (Kyoto Municipal)~Takeda (Kyoto)260JPY
    Section 3TrainTakeda (Kyoto)~Kintetsu Nara760JPY
    Section 4BusKintetsu Nara~Himuro Shrine/National Museum/Nara Kotsu250JPY
    Section 5BusKasuga Taisha Honden/Nara Kotsu~Kintetsu Nara Station/Nara Kotsu250JPY
    Section 6TrainKintetsu Nara~Nishinokyo300JPY
    Section 7TrainNishinokyo~Takeda (Kyoto)680JPY
    Section 8SubwayTakeda (Kyoto)~Shijo (Kyoto Municipal)260JPY
    Section 9TrainKarasuma~Kyoto Kawaramachi170JPY
    Total3,100JPY

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

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

    Let’s enjoy Japan with me !!

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

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

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

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

  • Shimizu Shore Excursion: Mt. Fuji View Tour

    Shimizu Shore Excursion: Mt. Fuji View Tour

    Tour Itinerary

    • 9:00 Meeting Up at Shimizu Port Marine Terminal→10:20 Shiraito Falls→11:40 Sake Tasting at Asagiri Food Park Fujinomiya Sake Brewery→12:20 Lunch at Numazu Uogashi Sushi→13:10 Visit Fujinomiya Sengen Taisha Shrine→14:00 Depart from the same place→ 15:00 Arrive at Shimizu Marine Terminal

    What Can You See on a Private Day Tour from Shimizu Port to Shiraito Falls and Mount Fuji? A Licensed Guide's Report On the way from Shimizu Port to Shiraito Falls, thanks to a driver who was very familiar with the local area, the guests were able to photograph a Shinkansen bullet train crossing the Fujigawa railway bridge with Mount Fuji in the background, which delighted them greatly. At Shiraito Falls, the guests went down close to the water's surface and seemed to fully enjoy the powerful sight of the falls. At Fujisan Hongu Sengen Taisha Shrine, the guests experienced the temizu (water purification basin) and the proper etiquette of two bows, two claps, and one bow. They also received an omikuji fortune and a goshuin seal, and appeared to become quite interested in Japanese Shinto. I think this is a recommended course for guests visiting Japan for the first time.

    My name is Kazunori Honma, I live in Odawara city near Hakone facing Pacific Ocean, so I am familiar with Mt. Fuji and Hakone area. In particular, nature, history, culture and food in the region are my specialty. I know a lot of Shinto shrines, temples, and hiking trails. Plus, I love art, so I am able to guide you to a wide variety of art museums in Mt. Fuji and Hakone area. If you are an art lover, you will be able to spend a fulfilling time with me.
    I thoroughly make preparations for your interests and needs to satisfy you with all my effort in advance. I’m sure you will definitely be happy with spending a day with me.

    Jun 4, 2026
    Companion12422328239
    Tripadvisor review: Port Pick-Up: Shizuoka Tour with Licensed Guide and Vehicle
    Great views of Mt Fuji and local tea
    We had…

    May 28, 2026
    kam_g
    Viator review: Shizuoka/Shimizu Mt Fuji View 6 hr Private Tour: Guide Only
    The guide was very nice…
    The guide was very…

    Apr 11, 2026
    Brandon2116
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Personalized Tokyo Experience
    Booking a private tour with Kaz was the perfect…

    Mar 29, 2026
    Stacy_A
    Viator review: Hakone 6 hour Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Thanks, Kaz! We recommend this tour.
    Great experience – it was…

  • Kyoto Customized Private Tour by Car

    Kyoto Customized Private Tour by Car

    Tour Itinerary

    • 1. 9:30 Meet the guests at Kyoto Station
    • 2. 10:00 Sightseeing in Arashiyama (Bamboo Grove, Nonomiya Shrine, Kameyama Park, etc.)
    • 3. 12:00 Guided tour of Fushimi Inari Taisha Shrine
    • 4. 14:00 Guided tour of Kiyomizu-dera Temple
    • 5. 15:15 Tour of the Gion area from the car window
    • 6. 15:25 Tour of Nishiki Market
    • 7. 15:30 Dismissal @ Nishiki Market

    Title: What Is a Private One-Day Kyoto Tour Like? A Licensed Guide's Report on Arashiyama, Fushimi Inari, and Kiyomizu-dera I met the guests, a group visiting from North America, at Kyoto Station at 9:20. We took a chartered taxi to Arashiyama, where I guided them through the bamboo grove. I introduced the moss garden at Nonomiya Shrine and explained Shinto beliefs, after which we took a leisurely stroll through the bamboo grove, passed through Kameyama Park, and moved on to the Hozugawa River. The guests enjoyed the natural surroundings and the fresh air, and from there we headed to the next destination, Fushimi Inari Taisha. At the shrine, we paid our respects together at the main hall, then passed through the Senbon Torii as they had wished, continued past Kumataka-sha, and turned back just before Yotsutsuji. As a heat stroke alert had been issued that day, although there was a wish to climb to the summit of Mount Inari, they agreed to turn back partway, and we concluded the tour of Fushimi Inari Taisha. Since some of the guests preferred not to overexert themselves, we decided not to push too hard. From Fushimi Inari Taisha we moved to Kiyomizu-dera, walking along the approach with rest breaks along the way. However, due to the heat, smooth movement was difficult. I guided them around the temple grounds, and at the Otowa Waterfall they enjoyed drinking the delicious water. They savored the taste, saying "delicious, delicious." From Kiyomizu-dera, the guests enjoyed views of the Gion area from the car window, and we moved on to Nishiki Market, where I guided them through the market. Once the tour of Nishiki Market was complete, we ended the day's guiding and parted ways at 15:30.

    After a rather long teaching experience at Japanese college, I converted my career about 6 years ago into working as a tour guide for the tourists visiting Japan.
    As my career overseas, I’ve been in the UN and the Japanese Embassy, all in the USA, totaling more than 6 years.
    And then I had made a big change in my career from a diplomat to an academic researcher. For that career to achieve, I studied abroad and won a doctorate degree in linguistics from Indiana University and landed a teaching position at college in Japan.
    With all these interesting and exciting experiences I’ve made myself ready to enrich your tour and make it both enjoyable and worthwhile.

    Apr 26, 2026
    39ferdinandr
    Tripadvisor review: Kyoto 4hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Exceptional and entertaining
    Great tour better the tour guide Toshi.

    Apr 9, 2026
    X1429XKclaudiam
    Tripadvisor review: Kyoto 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Sehr zu empfehlen
    Wir haben als Familie diese 6-stundige Tour durch Kyoto…

    Jun 28, 2025
    WilliamAlfonso_R
    Toshi is a very eloquent, knowledgeable, and diligent tour guide.
    Viator review: Nara 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Toshi was…

    May 30, 2025
    Z
    ZevP5
    Best Tour Guide!
    Tripadvisor review: Kyoto 4hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Yoshi was the best guide!! He was so…

  • Hiroshima in One Day: Miyajima & Museum

    Hiroshima in One Day: Miyajima & Museum

    Tour Itinerary

    • 9:30 Meet at cruise ship terminal
    • 9:45-10:57 Travel to Miyajima by shuttle bus and high-speed boat
    • 11:00-13:30 Miyajima
    • 13:40-13:50 Travel to Miyajimaguchi
    • 14:00-14:35 Lunch
    • 14:49-15:30 Travel from Miyajimaguchi to Peace Memorial Park
    • 15:30-16:00 Peace Memorial Park (Dome, Ground Zero, Statue of Sadako, Cenotaph)
    • 16:00-17:00 Museum
    • 17:10-17:30 Travel from Peace Memorial Park to cruise ship terminal by taxi
    • 17:35 Dismissal

    Title: What's a Private Day Tour of Miyajima and the Peace Memorial Park in Hiroshima Like? A Licensed Guide's Report The guests were visitors from North America. In the morning I took them to Miyajima, and in the afternoon to the Peace Memorial Park. On Miyajima, I brought them to a café with a lovely view, which they seemed to enjoy. They also bought many souvenirs, including Miyajima woodwork. At the Peace Memorial Park, they showed great interest in the historical background of Hiroshima that led to the atomic bombing. Their cruise ship's previous port of call had been Kochi, so we were also able to talk about various things related to Kochi. For lunch, I took them to an okonomiyaki restaurant, which they liked very much and enjoyed eating.

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1OtherUjina Port~Miyajima1,150JPY
    Section 2TrainMiyajimaguchi~Yokogawa (Hiroshima Prefecture)330JPY
    Section 3TrainYokogawa (Hiroshima Prefecture)~Atomic Bomb Dome240JPY
    Total1,720JPY

    Hi! My name is Kazuhisa To. After completing graduate school, I moved to Hiroshima—and have now lived here for over 42 years. I earned a Ph.D. through a national university’s professional program while working at Mazda Motor Corporation. Five years before retiring from the company, I was seconded to Hiroshima University, a national university, where I served as a specially appointed professor. In addition to my domestic career, I spent a total of about five and a half years living and working abroad. These international experiences have given me valuable cross-cultural understanding and the ability to connect comfortably with guests from around the world. Currently, as a Hiroshima Prefectural Government Licensed Guide Interpreter, I introduce visitors not only to famous attractions such as Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park and Miyajima, but also to the local lifestyle, culture, and culinary delights, tailored to your interests. I hope to provide each guest with a memorable experience that stays in your heart.
    I look forward to meeting you here in Hiroshima!

    Jul 21, 2026
    anza
    Tripadvisor review: Hiroshima & Miyajima in 1 Day: Private Tour, Licensed Guide
    Excellent Walking Tour with Kazuhisa To
    We had a…

    Jun 25, 2026
    52leannei
    Tripadvisor review: Hiroshima / Miyajima Full-day Private Tour with Government Licensed Guide
    Amazing day trip and tour to Hiroshima
    My family…

    Jun 14, 2026
    Shannon_M
    Viator review: Hiroshima City 4hr Private Walking Tour with Licensed Guide
    Our guide was amazing. He…
    Our guide was amazing. He…

    Jun 14, 2026
    Thomas L
    Tripadvisor review: Hiroshima City 4hr Private Walking Tour with Licensed Guide
    Hiroshima Tour with a Great Guide
    Our guide Kazuhisa…

  • Hiroshima in One Day: Miyajima & Peace Memorial Museum

    Hiroshima in One Day: Miyajima & Peace Memorial Museum

    Tour Itinerary

    • 8:00 Hotel meet
    • 8:00-9:20 Move to Miyajima
    • 9:25-11:30 Miyajima (Great Torii Gate, Itsukushima Shrine, Daishoin Temple, etc.)
    • 11:40-12:40 Move to Peace Memorial Park
    • 12:45-13:00 Atomic Bomb Dome, Hypocenter
    • 13:00-13:40 Lunch
    • 13:40-14:20 Honkawa Elementary School Museum
    • 14:20-14:50 Peace Memorial Park
    • 15:00-16:00 Peace Memorial Museum
    • 16:15-16:30 Move to hotel

    What Is a Private Hiroshima Walking Tour Like in Summer? A Licensed Guide's Report The guests were a group visiting Japan from Europe. I had also lived in Europe in the past and had visited their home region several times, so we were able to talk about many things together. On the day of the tour, it was extremely hot, so the guests were very careful about staying hydrated, and I was able to guide them without any trouble. This time, after arranging in advance, I took them to the Honkawa Elementary School Peace Museum. The fact that 400 elementary school children lost their lives in the schoolyard due to the atomic bombing seemed to leave a strong impression on them, and they viewed the exhibits with great interest.

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1TrainHatchobori/Hiroshima Kotsu~Hiroshima240JPY
    Section 2TrainHiroshima~Miyajimaguchi420JPY
    Section 3TrainMiyajimaguchi~Yokogawa (Hiroshima Prefecture)330JPY
    Section 4TrainYokogawa (Hiroshima Prefecture)~Genbaku Dome-mae240JPY
    Section 5BusPeace Memorial Park/Hiroshima Bus~Hatchobori (Hiroshima Prefecture)240JPY
    Total1,470JPY

    Hi! My name is Kazuhisa To. After completing graduate school, I moved to Hiroshima—and have now lived here for over 42 years. I earned a Ph.D. through a national university’s professional program while working at Mazda Motor Corporation. Five years before retiring from the company, I was seconded to Hiroshima University, a national university, where I served as a specially appointed professor. In addition to my domestic career, I spent a total of about five and a half years living and working abroad. These international experiences have given me valuable cross-cultural understanding and the ability to connect comfortably with guests from around the world. Currently, as a Hiroshima Prefectural Government Licensed Guide Interpreter, I introduce visitors not only to famous attractions such as Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park and Miyajima, but also to the local lifestyle, culture, and culinary delights, tailored to your interests. I hope to provide each guest with a memorable experience that stays in your heart.
    I look forward to meeting you here in Hiroshima!

    Jul 21, 2026
    anza
    Tripadvisor review: Hiroshima & Miyajima in 1 Day: Private Tour, Licensed Guide
    Excellent Walking Tour with Kazuhisa To
    We had a…

    Jun 25, 2026
    52leannei
    Tripadvisor review: Hiroshima / Miyajima Full-day Private Tour with Government Licensed Guide
    Amazing day trip and tour to Hiroshima
    My family…

    Jun 14, 2026
    Shannon_M
    Viator review: Hiroshima City 4hr Private Walking Tour with Licensed Guide
    Our guide was amazing. He…
    Our guide was amazing. He…

    Jun 14, 2026
    Thomas L
    Tripadvisor review: Hiroshima City 4hr Private Walking Tour with Licensed Guide
    Hiroshima Tour with a Great Guide
    Our guide Kazuhisa…

  • Hiroshima in One Day: Miyajima & Peace Memorial Park

    Hiroshima in One Day: Miyajima & Peace Memorial Park

    Tour Itinerary

    • 8:30 Meet at hotel
    • 8:45-10:20 Travel to Miyajima
    • 10:25-12:30 Miyajima
    • 12:40-13:30 Travel to Hiroshima Station
    • 13:40-14:30 Lunch
    • 14:45-15:00 Travel to Shukkeien Garden
    • 15:00-15:40 Shukkeien Garden
    • 15:40-16:00 Travel to Peace Memorial Park
    • 16:00-17:00 Peace Memorial Park (Dome, Cenotaph, Museum, etc.)
    • 17:00 Disband at the museum

    What Is a Private Full-Day Tour of Hiroshima and Miyajima Like? A Licensed Guide's Report The guests were a group visiting Japan from North America. I was told they had once worked in a building very close by at the time of a major terrorist attack. Since I had also visited that memorial site myself, we were able to talk about many things together. On this occasion, the tour visited Miyajima in the morning, followed by Shukkeien Garden and the Peace Memorial Park in the afternoon. At the Peace Memorial Park, the guests listened intently to stories about the atomic bombing and the paper cranes. Regarding the itinerary, due to my own mistake in managing the time allocation, we ended up parting ways inside the museum at the end.

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1BusTakaramachi-kita / Hiroshima Bus~Hiroshima Station240JPY
    Section 2TrainHiroshima~Miyajimaguchi420JPY
    Section 3TrainMiyajimaguchi~Hiroshima420JPY
    Section 4BusHiroshima~Shukkeien-mae240JPY
    Section 5BusShukkeien-mae~Atomic Bomb Dome-mae240JPY
    Total1,560JPY

    Hi! My name is Kazuhisa To. After completing graduate school, I moved to Hiroshima—and have now lived here for over 42 years. I earned a Ph.D. through a national university’s professional program while working at Mazda Motor Corporation. Five years before retiring from the company, I was seconded to Hiroshima University, a national university, where I served as a specially appointed professor. In addition to my domestic career, I spent a total of about five and a half years living and working abroad. These international experiences have given me valuable cross-cultural understanding and the ability to connect comfortably with guests from around the world. Currently, as a Hiroshima Prefectural Government Licensed Guide Interpreter, I introduce visitors not only to famous attractions such as Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park and Miyajima, but also to the local lifestyle, culture, and culinary delights, tailored to your interests. I hope to provide each guest with a memorable experience that stays in your heart.
    I look forward to meeting you here in Hiroshima!

    Jul 21, 2026
    anza
    Tripadvisor review: Hiroshima & Miyajima in 1 Day: Private Tour, Licensed Guide
    Excellent Walking Tour with Kazuhisa To
    We had a…

    Jun 25, 2026
    52leannei
    Tripadvisor review: Hiroshima / Miyajima Full-day Private Tour with Government Licensed Guide
    Amazing day trip and tour to Hiroshima
    My family…

    Jun 14, 2026
    Shannon_M
    Viator review: Hiroshima City 4hr Private Walking Tour with Licensed Guide
    Our guide was amazing. He…
    Our guide was amazing. He…

    Jun 14, 2026
    Thomas L
    Tripadvisor review: Hiroshima City 4hr Private Walking Tour with Licensed Guide
    Hiroshima Tour with a Great Guide
    Our guide Kazuhisa…

  • Tokyo: Toyosu Market

    Tokyo: Toyosu Market

    Tour Itinerary

    • 6:25 Meet @Conrad
    • 6:40 Toyosu Market (Seafood Wholesale Building, Seafood Intermediate Wholesale Building)
    • 8:15 Tsukiji (Fish Market, Namiyoke Shrine, Outer Market, Hongwanji Temple
    • 10:00 Yurakucho Kotsu Kaikan, Mitsubishi UFJ Currency Shop
    • 10:30 Disband @Conrad

    Title: What Is a Private Toyosu and Tsukiji Fish Market Food Tour in Tokyo Like? A Licensed Guide's Report The guests were visiting Japan for the first time, coming from North America and Asia. We set off after confirming again that the tuna auction could not be viewed. At Toyosu, I explained the background of the market's relocation, the tuna auction system, the role of the expert appraisers, and how distribution routes have changed over time. At Tsukiji Fish Market, the guests purchased sashimi of premium fatty tuna (150g), flatfish, scallop, and medium fatty tuna nigiri, and enjoyed them on the third floor (photo). At the outer market, I advised that September now is different from September in the past, so it was better to avoid it, but the guests decided to try raw oysters anyway. They also enjoyed grilled beef skewers and strawberry daifuku. At the temple, I explained Japanese religion, incorporating comparisons with religion in Asia. Special note: The guests had arranged a full-day Tokyo tour with a car the previous day through a booking platform, but they were very upset because the guide arrived one hour late, lacked knowledge about Japan, and they felt it was a waste of time, so they cut the tour short by an hour and a half. From what I heard, there is a high possibility that the car was an unlicensed taxi.

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1SubwayTsukiji~Ginza180JPY
    Total180JPY

    Hello! My name is Hideki Maruyama. I was born in Osaka and raised in the Greater Tokyo area. I obtained my National Government Licensed Guide Interpreter Certificate in February 2016.
    I spent 23 years working at a leading Japanese automotive company, including 7 years posted overseas. I then worked for a German premium automotive manufacturer for 13 years, followed by 6 years as an advisor to a British energy company. Through these roles at global corporations, I developed and refined key skills such as:
    1. Cross-cultural communication
    2. A deep understanding of business elites and affluent customers
    3. The ability to deliver impactful and impressive presentations in English
    In addition to my regular duties, I often served as an interpreter for top executives during meetings with foreign government officials. I also had opportunities to introduce aspects of Japan—such as our national character and consumer preferences—to leadership teams in both the German and British companies.
    As a tour guide, I’ve had the pleasure of guiding guests from a wide range of countries especially after the pandemic, including the US, UK, Germany, France, Italy, Spain, the Netherlands, Belgium, Switzerland, Austria, Norway, Romania, Slovenia, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, Singapore, India, Hong Kong, Mexico, Puerto Rico, Brazil, Argentina, Columbia, Thailand, Malaysia, the Philippines, Laos, Turkey, Jordan, Kenya and Israel.
    When guiding, I always keep in mind to go beyond what guests can find on social media or ChatGPT. I believe my professional background allows me to offer unique insights, and I am encouraged when guests mention this in their reviews

    Jun 14, 2026
    tiffany_w
    Viator review: Tokyo 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Phenomenal experiance
    Hideki san was an amazing guide. He was incredibly knowledgable…

    Jun 13, 2026
    Joshua_A
    Viator review: Tokyo 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    The Best Guide I Had in Japan
    Hideki was, without question, my…

    May 2, 2026
    Bruce G
    Our guide (Hideki san) was a master. It was a rainy day and he suggested a new plan in anticipation…

    Apr 30, 2026
    johnbD9596UO
    Lovely Private tour of Tokyo
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    My wife and I had a great…