Category: Uncategorized

  • Osaka in One Day: Nijo Castle & Kinkaku-ji

    Osaka in One Day: Nijo Castle & Kinkaku-ji

    Tour Itinerary

    • 10:00 to 11:00 Nijo Castle
    • 11:40 to 12:15 Sagano Bamboo Forest
    • 12:30 to 13:20 Lunch at Arashiyama area
    • 14:10 to 15:00 Kinkaku-ji

    What's a Private Kyoto Tour Like in Summer? A Licensed Guide's Report Today's guests were a group visiting from Asia. As most guests do during the hot season, they mentioned that touring every day in the heat had left them tired and feeling under the weather. Many guests start in Tokyo and travel through Hakone, Kanazawa, and Takayama before arriving in Kyoto, and it seems that fatigue often reaches its peak around Kyoto. This group said much the same, and although they plan to visit the Osaka Expo tomorrow, they mentioned they wished they could have a full day to relax at the hotel.

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1SubwayNamba (Subway)~Umeda (Subway)240JPY
    Section 2TrainOsaka~Kyoto580JPY
    Section 3BusKyoto~Nijojo-mae / Kyoto City Bus230JPY
    Section 4SubwayNijojo-mae~Nijo220JPY
    Section 5TrainNijo~Saga-Arashiyama200JPY
    Section 6TrainArashiyama (Keifuku Line)~Kitano-Hakubaicho250JPY
    Section 7BusKitano-Hakubaicho / Kyoto City Bus~Kinkaku-ji-michi / Kyoto City Bus230JPY
    Section 8TrainEnmachi~Osaka840JPY
    Section 9SubwayUmeda (Subway)~Namba (Subway)240JPY
    Total3,030JPY

    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…

  • Aichi in Half a Day: Nagoya Castle & Norwegian Spirit

    Aichi in Half a Day: Nagoya Castle & Norwegian Spirit

    Tour Itinerary

    • 9:30 Pick up at Norwegian Spirit exit
    • 10:00 Nagoya Castle
    • 12:00 Sakae, Oasis 21 sightseeing
    • 13:30 Osu sightseeing, shopping
    • 15:00 Norwegian Spirit

    What Is a Nagoya Private Walking Tour Like? A Licensed Guide's Report on Nagoya Castle, Sakae, and Osu On a standard Nagoya tour with [Japan Guide Agency (JGA Inc.)](https://www.j-g-a.org/), we visited Nagoya Castle, Sakae, and Osu. Under the blazing sun, our walking pace gradually slowed and we took many rest breaks. As usual, the guests were amazed by the lavish and splendid Honmaru Palace at Nagoya Castle. I explained the history of Nagoya Castle: after Tokugawa Ieyasu established the Edo shogunate, he ordered the feudal lords of the western and northern provinces to build the castle. Construction began in 1610 (Keicho 15), and for about 260 years it served as the residence of the Owari Tokugawa family. Nagoya Castle is a site associated with two great warlords, Oda Nobunaga and Tokugawa Ieyasu, and Nagoya Castle developed from Nagono Castle, which Oda Nobunaga used as his residence in his childhood.

    Select a guide: enter the WordPress Guide post ID or Guide ID in the block settings.

    Jul 18, 2025
    Lisa_M
    Nagoya is a Treasure
    Viator review: Nagoya Full-day Private Custom Tour with National Licensed Guide
    Yoko gave us a wonderful tour…

    Jun 17, 2025
    Daniel_R
    Nagoya Tour from Cruise Port
    Viator review: Nagoya Full-day Private Custom Tour with National Licensed Guide
    If you are on a…

  • Mie in One Day: JR Iseshi Station & Get on bus at Naikumae

    Mie in One Day: JR Iseshi Station & Get on bus at Naikumae

    Tour Itinerary

    • 10:00 Meet at JR Iseshi Station
    • 10:20 Depart from JR Iseshi Station
    • 10:28 Arrive at JR Futamiura Station
    • 10:45–11:30 Visit Futamiokitama Shrine & Meoto Iwa
    • 11:46 Depart from JR Futamiura Station JR
    • 11:54 Arrive at JR Iseshi Station
    • 12:05–12:50 Visit Ise Jingu (Geku)
    • 13:02 Get on bus at Gekumae
    • 13:25 Arrive at Naikumae bus stop
    • 13:30–15:00 Lunch & shopping at Okage Yokocho
    • 15:00–15:50 Visit Ise Jingu (Naiku)
    • 16:00 Get on bus at Naikumae
    • 16:19 Arrive at Iseshi Station

    What Is a Private Day Tour of Ise Jingu and Okage Yokocho Like? A Licensed Guide's Report The plan was to meet near Iseshi Station after breakfast, but I became concerned that finding a place for breakfast might be difficult, so I contacted the guests. They mentioned that shipping their luggage had not gone smoothly and that they wanted to store it, so we met on the station platform and I guided them to a coin locker and a recommended spot for breakfast. They were very pleased, and it made for a great start. We also viewed the Hinjitsukan, which we had skipped, from the seaside. The timing for explaining places such as Futami was tricky, and since they were enjoying themselves, we ended up spending more time than expected, so I felt bad that we had to hurry a bit to get back to the station. At the Outer Shrine we visited only the main sanctuary, but after lunch at Okage Yokocho we moved to the Inner Shrine, where I was able to introduce not only the main sanctuary but also Takimatsuri-no-miya and Kazahinomi-no-miya. Since the guests seemed to enjoy trying various local foods at Okage Yokocho, after the visit we returned again and they enjoyed strolling, sampling street food, and shopping. Due to the Obon holiday, the bus from the Inner Shrine was delayed and the roads were congested, but once aboard they were able to sit down, so it did not seem to be much of a problem.

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1TrainIseshi~Futamiura210JPY
    Section 2TrainFutamiura~Iseshi210JPY
    Section 3BusGekumae/Mie Kotsu~Naikumae/Mie Kotsu520JPY
    Section 4BusNaikumae/Mie Kotsu~Gekumae/Mie Kotsu520JPY
    Total1,460JPY

    I am a government licensed interpreter-guide who began my career in Kyoto, guiding tailored tours for individual and luxury FIT travelers.
    Before becoming a guide, I worked as an Okami (service manager) at luxury Ryokan(Japanese inn), where I learned how important it is to anticipate guests’ needs and respond flexibly in every situation.
    Now based in my hometown Mie, I would love to introduce you to experiences that are deeply rooted in Japan’s culture and nature
    —such as visiting the sacred Ise Grand Shrine, learning about the traditions of the Ama (female free divers), and enjoying local cuisine including Matsusaka beef and fresh seafood.
    I also have professional experience guiding cycling tours in Kyoto.
    This allows me to support experiences such as cycling and hiking with careful attention to safety, comfort, and pace, especially for guests who prefer a relaxed and well-balanced journey.
    While Mie is my home base, I am also happy to guide you in Kyoto and the wider Kansai area, adapting each tour to your interests, physical level, and travel style.
    More than simply guiding, I want to be a bridge between you and the local people.
    Through warm encounters and thoughtful hospitality, I hope to help you experience Japan in a way that feels personal, meaningful, and truly memorable.

    Apr 21, 2026
    Mary_D
    Viator review: Kyoto 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Yuka was exceptional. She…
    Yuka was exceptional. She guided us through the…

    Aug 27, 2025
    Fearless58228791378
    What truly makes the difference: more than a guide, a sincere friend!
    Tripadvisor review: Ise Jingu(Ise Grand Shrine) Full-Day Private Tour…

    Jun 26, 2025
    MiguelP430
    Una de las visitas más interesantes en nuestro viaje a Japon
    Tripadvisor review: Ise Jingu(Ise Grand Shrine) Full-Day Private Tour with…

  • Nagoya Customized Half-Day Tour

    Nagoya Customized Half-Day Tour

    Tour Itinerary

    • 1. Meet 10:00 @ Nagoya Port Garden Pier
    • 2. Move to Tokugawaen and view the Tokugawa Art Museum and Tokugawaen 10:00-12:40・・From Nagoya Port take the subway to Sakae Station, from Sakae Station take the Meitetsu Seto Line and walk to Tokugawaen
    • 3. Pass around the outer perimeter of Nagoya Castle to Atsuta Shrine and view inside the shrine 12:40-14:20・・From Tokugawaen take a taxi to Sakae, from Sakae Station take the subway and walk to the shrine
    • 4. Move to Nagoya Port Garden Pier and disband 15:00

    What Is a Private Nagoya Day Tour Like? A Licensed Guide's Report on Tokugawa Art Museum, Tokugawa Garden, and Atsuta Shrine The guests were a group visiting from Europe. For the itinerary, it had been agreed in advance that we would visit Nagoya Castle, Tokugawa Garden, and the Shikemichi district. However, on the morning of the tour, the guests requested a change: since they planned to visit Himeji Castle the following day, they wished to remove Nagoya Castle from the itinerary and instead see Atsuta Shrine and the Tokugawa Art Museum. I quickly reorganized the plan, changing the route to the Tokugawa Art Museum, Tokugawa Garden, and Atsuta Shrine. When I explained that Nagoya Castle is one of Japan's three great castles, the guests requested to take a photo of the exterior of the castle keep along the way. After informing the guests that this would extend the tour time beyond the original schedule, I arranged the route as requested, and with the cooperation of the taxi driver, the guests were very pleased. Although it was a hot day, the guests were fully satisfied with the tour.

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1SubwayNagoya Port~Sakae (Aichi Prefecture)270JPY
    Section 2TrainSakae (Aichi Prefecture)~Morishita (Aichi Prefecture)250JPY
    Section 3SubwaySakae (Aichi Prefecture)~Atsuta Jingu Nishi240JPY
    Section 4SubwayAtsuta Jingu Nishi~Nagoya Port270JPY
    Total1,030JPY

    Hello, guests of JGA tours, I’m Takao (Todd) Miura, a national licensed guide of Japan.
    I have experiences as a professional guide over 5 years. The themes in which I’m well versed include castles, Japaneses landscape gardens, museums, festivals, and traditinal Japanese arts and crafts.
    Nagoya City and Aichi Prefecture, where I live, have many attractive sites to visit. I would like to introduce you to the most popular sites and spots in this area.
    I really wish to have a very nice time with you as a guide of your tour in Nagoya and Aichi Prefecture.

    Feb 16, 2026
    B9190RXcolleenm
    The Nagoya walking tour was great!
    Tripadvisor review: Nagoya Half-day Private Custom Tour with National Licensed Guide
    Todd was the perfect…

    Oct 2, 2025
    Jeffrey_B
    Nagoya with Todd Miura
    Viator review: Nagoya / Aichi Half-day Private Custom Tour with National Licensed Guide
    A great 4 hour…

    Sep 17, 2025
    sjhppy
    Todd Was A Fabulous Guide
    Tripadvisor review: Nagoya Full-day Private Custom Tour with National Licensed Guide
    I highly recommend Todd! He…

    Jul 22, 2025
    guelphturfgrassinstu
    Tripadvisor review: Nagoya Half-day Private Custom Tour with National Licensed Guide
    We enjoyed this tour with a knowledgeable guide. Todd shared…

  • Nagoya Customized Half-Day Tour

    Nagoya Customized Half-Day Tour

    Tour Itinerary

    • Nagoya Port 1000→1100 Toyota Commemorative Museum of Industry and Technology 1230→1300 Nagoya Castle 1400→1420 Osu Shopping District 1450→1530 Nagoya Port

    What Can You See on a Private Nagoya Tour? A Licensed Guide's Report on Nagoya Castle, the Toyota Museum, and Osu Shopping Street The guests were a group visiting from Europe. When I asked about their wishes at the meeting point, they mentioned that in addition to Nagoya Castle, they very much wanted to visit the Toyota Commemorative Museum of Industry and Technology, and that they wanted to have lunch at a casual, local restaurant in Nagoya, so we also decided to go to Osu Shopping Street. At the Toyota Commemorative Museum of Industry and Technology, they wanted to take their time viewing the Automobile Pavilion carefully, so we devoted plenty of time to the visit. At Nagoya Castle, we focused on the interior of the Hommaru Palace while avoiding the heat. They were delighted with the special photo spot I introduced. At Osu Shopping Street, they enjoyed Nagoya specialty dishes such as a fried shrimp set meal and an eel rice bowl at an eatery frequented by local residents, and they were very satisfied.

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1SubwayNagoya Port~Nagoya270JPY
    Section 2BusNagoya Station / Nagoya City Bus~Toyota Commemorative Museum of Industry and Technology / Nagoya City Bus210JPY
    Section 3BusToyota Commemorative Museum of Industry and Technology / Nagoya City Bus~Nagoya Castle / Nagoya City Bus210JPY
    Section 4SubwayNagoya Castle~Kamimaezu210JPY
    Section 5SubwayKamimaezu~Nagoya Port270JPY
    Total1,170JPY

    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…

  • Hokkaido in Half a Day: Sapporo TV Tower & JR Tower Observation Floor

    Hokkaido in Half a Day: Sapporo TV Tower & JR Tower Observation Floor

    Tour Itinerary

    • 9:00 Sapporo TV Tower
    • 9:15 Nijo Market
    • 9:30 Tanukikoji
    • 9:50 Odori Park
    • 10:20 Sapporo Clock Tower
    • 11:05 Former Hokkaido Government Office (Red Brick)
    • 12:05 JR Tower Observation Floor
    • 13:00 Dismissal @ Subway Sapporo Station

    What's a Private 4-Hour Walking Tour of Sapporo Like? A Licensed Guide's Report The guest was someone who had previously lived in Japan for a long time, including in Tokyo, and was very familiar with the country. This was their first time visiting Sapporo, and they were planning to travel around the area over several days. Since this was the first day, they asked me many questions, intending to gather information for their upcoming tours. For my part, I made sure to explain plenty of information about Sapporo and Hokkaido. I felt they listened attentively. As someone well acquainted with Japan, the conversation flowed very smoothly, and the four hours seemed to pass in the blink of an eye.

    I was born and raised in Hokkaido and have been a resident of Sapporo for over 30 years. I have been actively involved in guiding tourists around the scenic spots of Hokkaido, primarily focusing on Sapporo. Even before becoming a licensed interpreter guide, I engaged in volunteer activities to assist and guide foreigners, providing me with valuable opportunities to delve into the rich culture and history of Hokkaido.
    Hokkaido is renowned for its exceptional culinary scene, and I am well-versed in gourmet information. I believe I can offer an excellent experience by guiding individuals through the highly acclaimed food experiences that Hokkaido has to offer.

    Apr 22, 2026
    Agent PT A
    Tripadvisor review: Sapporo 6hr Private Tour with Government Licensed Guide
    Super Sapporo in April with Tom.
    Tom was kind…

    Feb 10, 2026
    Alan_C
    Very enjoyable and well…
    Viator review: Sapporo 6hr Private Tour with Government Licensed Guide
    Very enjoyable and well worth it. Our…

    Sep 24, 2025
    saratW9816BN
    Tour up to the Moiwa mountain and lots more
    Tripadvisor review: Sapporo 6hr Private Tour with Government Licensed Guide
    We’ve had…

    Sep 2, 2025
    roxannerW1499FK
    Great experience!
    Tripadvisor review: Sapporo 4hr Private Tour with Government Licensed Guide
    We had a wonderful city tour with Tom in…

  • Kyoto in Half a Day: Fushimi Inari & Kinkakuji

    Kyoto in Half a Day: Fushimi Inari & Kinkakuji

    Tour Itinerary

    • 13:00 Meet (@Kyoto Station)
    • 13:05-13:10 Move (JR; Kyoto→Inari)
    • 13:10-14:10 Fushimi Inari visit
    • 14:10-15:20 Move (Keihan Railway; Fushimi Inari→Gion-Shijo, City Bus; Shijo-Keihan-mae→Kinkakuji-michi)
    • 15:20-16:00 Kinkakuji visit
    • 16:00-17:00 Move (City Bus; Kinkakuji-michi→Gion-Shijo, Keihan Railway; Gion-Shijo→Demachiyanagi)
    • We parted with the customers at Demachiyanagi. The customers headed to Takaragaike on the Eizan Electric Railway.
    • (They had reserved a ninja/weapon-making experience at 18:30- Studio Nin / Takaragaike)

    Title: What's a Private Kyoto Day Tour Like for Cruise Passengers from Osaka Port? A Licensed Guide's Report The guests were a group visiting from North America. They were cruise passengers arriving via Osaka Port, and we met at Kyoto Station. I took them to Fushimi Inari and Kinkaku-ji. Since they had a reservation at a studio in the Takaragaike area at 18:30, I guided them from Kinkaku-ji to Demachiyanagi, saw them off at the ticket gate of the Eizan Railway, explained which train to take and where to get off, and said goodbye. One of the guests had difficulty walking and seemed to be struggling a little in the heat, so I made sure we took a short rest at the rest area in Fushimi Inari. This made the schedule afterward a little tight, but we were able to finish the tour within the planned time, and I believe the guests were able to reach their next appointment venue with about 30 minutes to spare. It was a shame that we could only visit two locations due to the long travel times.

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1TrainKyoto~Inari150JPY
    Section 2TrainFushimi Inari~Gion-Shijo220JPY
    Section 3BusShijo-Keihan-mae / Kyoto City Bus~Kinkakuji-michi / Kyoto City Bus230JPY
    Section 4BusKinkakuji-michi / Kyoto City Bus~Shijo-Keihan / Keihan Bus230JPY
    Section 5TrainGion-Shijo~Demachiyanagi230JPY
    Total1,060JPY

    My name is (Mr.)Michiharu Aioi and I worked at Electronic Manufacturing Company (Panasonic) for more than 40 years in charge of overseas sales.
    I learned a lot in these 40 years and now I would like to contribute to the promotion of mutual understanding with foreign countries being involved in tourism busines utilizing my long experience in my previous company. I will do my best to make each trip very fruitful for each foreign visitor.
    As for my language ability, in addition to English, I can speak Spanish which I used in my job and I can communicate with Chinese people with intermediate level. Finally It is my great pleasure if my activity could work in the mutual understang with foreign visitors. Thanks a Lot !

    Jul 19, 2026
    Wander35832177180
    Tripadvisor review: Kyoto Customized Half-Day Tour with Licensed Local Guide
    Kyoto temple tour
    Our Kyoto guided tour (Aioi Michiharu) was a…

    Jul 16, 2026
    Abby_M
    Viator review: Kyoto Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide
    Excellent tour. Highly recommend
    Michi our guide was excellent!…

    Jul 13, 2026
    Javier P
    Tripadvisor review: Kyoto Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide
    Kyoto gems
    Michi was incredibly courteous and informative.…

    Jul 13, 2026
    Beth_D
    Viator review: Kyoto Customized Half-Day Tour with Licensed Local Guide
    Excellent Tour and Guide
    Michi was an excellent tour guide! He…

  • Tokyo in One Day: Shibamata Taishakuten & Meiji Shrine

    Tokyo in One Day: Shibamata Taishakuten & Meiji Shrine

    Tour Itinerary

    • 10:30 Meet at Hotel Premier Tokyo Schole
    • 11:00 Shibamata Taishakuten > Dango Shop
    • 13:00 Ueno Park, Kiyomizu Kannon-do, Toshogu Shrine
    • 14:40 Meiji Shrine
    • 15:50 Disband in front of Harajuku Takeshita Street

    What Is a Private Tour of Tokyo's Temples and Shrines Like on a Hot Summer Day? A Licensed Guide's Report It was a very hot day with strong sunshine, so the tour was conducted with frequent rest breaks. The guests each had their own parasols, and we paid close attention to staying hydrated. At Shibamata Taishakuten, we viewed the carvings of the main hall and then the garden, but the sunlight was intense, so the atmosphere was not at its best. Here the guests purchased a goshuincho (stamp book), and from then on they received goshuin stamps at the places we visited. Ueno Park was also very hot, but the guests showed great interest in the old temples and shrines. At Meiji Shrine there was plenty of shade where we could take a breather, though the area in front of the main hall was again very hot. I guided them while taking breaks at rest areas, but at Harajuku's Takeshita Street they had a strong wish to explore on their own, so I concluded my guidance at the entrance.

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1TrainOshiage~Shibamata200JPY
    Section 2TrainShibamata~Keisei Ueno280JPY
    Section 3TrainUeno~Meiji-jingumae210JPY
    Total690JPY

    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…

  • Kyoto Customized Half-Day Tour

    Kyoto Customized Half-Day Tour

    Tour Itinerary

    • 8:30 Meet at Hyatt Regency Kyoto ➡ Walk to Sanjusangendo (8:50~9:30) ➡ Take the Keihan Railway to Fushimi Inari Taisha (10:00~10:50) ➡ Take a taxi to Kiyomizu-zaka, light meal here (11:20-11:40) ➡ Walk to Kiyomizu-dera Temple (11:50~12:30) ➡ Take a taxi to Gion, explain Gion, then disband (12:50)

    What Is a Private Family Day Tour of Kyoto Like? A Licensed Guide's Report The guests were a group visiting from North America. Although it was a very hot day, the guests walked well and made a great effort throughout. At Fushimi Inari Taisha, one of the guests left a wallet behind at a souvenir shop, and after a big search we were relieved to find that it had been turned in to the lost-and-found office at Fushimi Inari Taisha. The guests wanted to have shaved ice, so we took a break on Kiyomizu-zaka. In Gion, I guided them to a ramen restaurant and we parted ways there. Note: I was unable to enter the transportation cost. It was 170 yen from Shichijo Station (Keihan Line) to Fushimi Inari Station (Keihan Line).

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1OtherShichijo~Fushimi Inari170JPY
    Total170JPY

    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: Meiji Shrine & Imado Shrine

    Tokyo in One Day: Meiji Shrine & Imado Shrine

    Tour Itinerary

    • 07:50 Meet up @ Hotel Higashi-Shinjuku Kabukicho Tower
    • 08:30 Meiji Shrine
    • 09:50 Imperial Palace
    • 10:40 Tsukiji Market
    • 11:20 Lunch @ Tsukiji Sushisei Shinkan
    • 12:30 Sensoji Temple
    • 13:20 Imado Shrine
    • 14:20 Dismissal @ Hotel Higashi-Shinjuku Kabukicho Tower

    What's a Full-Day Private Tour of Tokyo Like? A Licensed Guide's Report on Meiji Shrine, the Imperial Palace, Tsukiji, and Asakusa The guests were visiting Japan for the first time and came from Europe. After sightseeing in Tokyo, Lake Kawaguchi, and other areas, they planned to return home due to their schedule, without visiting Kyoto or other destinations. At Meiji Shrine, they appeared impressed by the quiet and solemn atmosphere. At the Imperial Palace, they listened with great interest to historical explanations about the role of the Emperor, the Meiji Restoration, and the Edo Shogunate. At Tsukiji, they toured the retail market of the Tsukiji fish district and enjoyed a sushi lunch. At Senso-ji Temple, they were interested to hear explanations about the differences between temples and shrines, as well as the Kaminarimon Gate. At Imado Shrine, said to be the birthplace of the maneki-neko (beckoning cat), the guests, who love cats, enjoyed taking photos of the cat statues on the shrine grounds. Since I accommodated the guests' requests as they wished, I believe they were satisfied.

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1SubwayHigashi-Shinjuku~Meiji-jingumae180JPY
    Section 2SubwayMeiji-jingumae~Nijubashimae210JPY
    Section 3SubwayNijubashimae~Tsukiji180JPY
    Section 4SubwayTsukiji~Asakusa210JPY
    Section 5SubwayAsakusa~Higashi-Shinjuku320JPY
    Total1,100JPY

    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

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