Category: Uncategorized

  • Tokyo Customized Private Tour in 1 Day

    Tokyo Customized Private Tour in 1 Day

    Tokyo Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide

    October, 2025

    Tour Itinerary

    • 1. 10:30 Meet up　Hotel Tokyo
    • 2. 11:10 Tsukiji
    • 3. 12:05 Lunch＠Otemachi
    • 4. 12:45 Imperial Palace East Gardens
    • 5. 14:50 Meiji Jingu Shrine
    • 6. 16:30 Hotel Tokyo

    What Is a Rainy-Day Private Tour of Tokyo Like? A Licensed Guide's Report on Tsukiji, the East Gardens, and Meiji Shrine We met on time at the Hotel in Shinjuku. Although it was raining, we visited the shops in Tsukiji. The guests did not eat anything in particular there, but they looked at the items on sale with great interest. When I pointed to the wasabi being sold at a storefront and asked what it was, no guest had ever been able to answer before, so I was surprised that one of the guests was able to answer this time. (Every guest already recognizes prepared "wasabi" in its paste form as "wasabi.") They were amazed at how expensive matsutake mushrooms were. In Otemachi we had tonkatsu, and both of them finished their meals completely and told me it was delicious. The East Gardens were a little challenging in the rain, but here too the guests listened to the historical explanations, and we were able to enjoy the walk. At Meiji Shrine, two wedding ceremonies happened to be taking place, so they were delighted to see the bridal attire and took many photos. We had planned to part ways at the station in front of Meiji Shrine, but because of the rain and because we were about 30 minutes ahead of schedule, I saw the guests back to the Hotel where they were staying and we parted ways inside the Hotel.

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

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1SubwayTochomae～Tsukiji Market280JPY
    Section 2SubwayTsukiji～Otemachi (Tokyo)180JPY
    Section 3SubwayOtemachi (Tokyo)～Meiji-jingumae210JPY
    Section 4TrainHarajuku～Shinjuku150JPY
    Total820JPY

    Tour Report by Mac

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

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

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

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

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

  • Hiroshima in One Day: 12::05 JR Ferry Miyajimaguchi／Miyajima

    Hiroshima in One Day: 12::05 JR Ferry Miyajimaguchi／Miyajima

    Hiroshima & Miyajima in 1 Day: Private Tour, Licensed Guide

    October, 2025

    Tour Itinerary

    • 11:00 Hotel/JR Hiroshima Station→Miyajimaguchi (420 yen)
    • 11:55/12::05 JR Ferry Miyajimaguchi／Miyajima
    • 12:05/14:40 Miyajima sightseeing (canned beer at Miya Rikyu, chopstick shop, hospitality restroom, shopping street, torii gate, Itsukushima Shrine from outside, giant rice scoop, sake tasting on Machiya-dori street, Miyajima ferry terminal)
    • 14:40/14:50 Matsudai Kisen
    • 15:00/15:30 Ramen at Etto
    • 15:47/16:11 Miyajimaguchi／Shin-Hakushima Station (330 yen)
    • 16:25/16:35 Astram Line Shin-Hakushima/Kencho-mae (220 yen)
    • Shareo, Atomic Bomb Dome, hypocenter, park tour
    • 17:30/18:40 Atomic Bomb Museum
    • 18:45/19:00 Hotel by taxi

    Title: What Is a Private Full-Day Hiroshima and Miyajima Tour Like? A Licensed Guide's Report When I first contacted the guests, I received a reply asking to start earlier, or to change the tour from 8 hours to 6–7 hours. I checked the instruction sheet provided by the guests and, along with an image, explained that the tour was scheduled to start at 11:00, and that shortening the time would most likely not change the tour fee. I also explained that with an 11:00 start, if we made a reservation for the Atomic Bomb Museum at 5:30 p.m. when it is less crowded, there would be no waiting time and they could view it at a relaxed pace. I then waited to hear how they wished to proceed. As a result, there was no change to the tour schedule. On the day, the guests were very pleased, saying they were glad I had explained the crowd situation at the museum. Today the daytime temperature was 30°C, sunny, and warm enough to make one slightly sweat. In the evening it became cooler and more comfortable. The guests were having trouble with the Suica app on their phone. They seemed to have struggled greatly to add Suica, and as a result had ended up creating two cards. One card had 5,000 yen charged on it, but payment was always deducted from the other card, which as of today had a balance of only 42 yen. Their question was why the deduction did not come from the card with 5,000 yen on it, so I asked at the JR ferry and the Matsudai ferry, but neither knew about Suica. When I asked at JR Miyajimaguchi Station, it turned out that of the two cards, the one with 42 yen was set as the main Suica, and a setting change was needed. The staff at the counter managed to help, and told us that when tapping at the station where we got off, it would be deducted from the card with 5,000 yen. Feeling reassured, we got off at Shin-Hakushima Station, but an error occurred again. When I asked the station staff once more, they looked up how to change the setting, and after setting it again, it worked properly. We then rode the Astram Line as well, and the guests were very pleased that it now worked properly. The guests said that while traveling in Japan, staff at various places everywhere had been kind, polite, and helpful, and that they were truly happy about this. On Miyajima, the guests said they wanted to have an iced coffee, but as today was Saturday, Miyajima was very crowded and there were long lines everywhere for both lunch and coffee, so one of the guests bought a can of Asahi beer from a stall. They looked satisfied, saying Asahi is delicious. After that, we finally found a coffee shop with a short line and ordered drinks. Although iced coffee had been mentioned, a hot coffee was purchased. They were pleased, saying the coffee here was delicious, but the iced café latte was left mostly untouched, so it seemed not to their taste. Regarding restrooms, while more restrooms are now equipped with jet-air hand dryers, today neither the one on Miyajima nor the one in the rest house within Peace Memorial Park had them. Guests often point out the lack of paper towels, jet-air dryers, or soap. Today's guests smilingly said it was fine, but I felt anew that this may be a cultural difference between Japanese people, who carry handkerchiefs, and visitors from abroad. Sometimes I suggest buying a handkerchief as a souvenir for themselves from Japan, but in many countries it is not the custom to carry a handkerchief. I could inform guests of this in advance, but few may actually bring a handkerchief. Today's guests did not seem interested in oyster curry bread, okonomiyaki, or momiji manju, but they seemed to enjoy chopsticks engraved with their names, sampling Saijo sake on Miyajima, and a meal at a ramen restaurant. This time the tour ran from an 11:00 start to a 7:00 p.m. finish, and this pattern was very good. If I could ask for more, an 11:30 start and 7:30 p.m. finish would have allowed more relaxed viewing of the Atomic Bomb Museum. The Atomic Bomb Museum admits only online-reservation guests from 5:30 p.m., so it becomes a relatively relaxed time to view. It is currently open until 7:00 p.m., so if one could view from 5:30 to 7:00 there would be a leisurely 90 minutes, but today's guests wished to return to the hotel with me after seeing the museum, so we had to leave the museum by 6:40 at the latest. If the tour end time had been 7:30, they could have viewed for a full 90 minutes from 5:30 to 7:00, and then taken 30 minutes to return to the hotel to finish at 7:30, which I thought would be ideal. I had informed the guests in advance that many guests spend one to one and a half hours viewing the Atomic Bomb Museum. The crowd level was incomparably less crowded and comfortable compared to daytime, but after an hour of viewing we had seen about half of the whole, and I thought that with another 30 minutes they could have viewed to their satisfaction. Just to be sure, I asked the guests whether they wanted to view until 7:00 and return to the hotel on their own, or view until around 6:40 and return to the hotel, and they chose to return to the hotel with me. At that time they also chose a taxi rather than a bus, and we returned to the hotel by taxi. In the taxi on the way back, they enjoyed conversing through me with the driver, asking whether anyone among the group's older relatives was an atomic bomb survivor, and where gas stations are in Japan since they don't see them. Surprisingly, one member of the group had an older relative who, on the day of the atomic bombing, was on the way to deliver soap to the army and was exposed to the bomb around the Nakajima-cho area (very close to Peace Memorial Park), and whose whereabouts remain unknown to this day. The story was that the family made soap in Kure, and this relative died on the way while making a delivery. I had heard such stories before, but hearing it directly from that family was surprising to me. That is all.

    Click here for more details: Hiroshima & Miyajima in 1 Day: Private Tour, Licensed Guide

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1TrainHiroshima Station～Miyajimaguchi420JPY
    Section 2TrainMiyajimaguchi～Shin-Hakushima330JPY
    Section 3OtherShin-Hakushima～Kencho-mae220JPY
    Total970JPY

    Tour Report by miki

    Dear guests,
    Hello! My name is Miki. I was born and brought up in Hiroshima. I enjoy traveling around Inland Sea areas and I enjoy chatting with guests from overseas!

    In Hiroshima, you can see many beautiful rivers and old bridges. Lately, I often take photos of Hiroshima city including bridges and rivers. There are not many tall buildings here, but I know some places you can visit and see the view for free. By the atomic bomb dome, there is a building called Orizuru(paper crane) Tower. You need to pay to go up to the top floor but you can see the view of Hiroshima city and the Miyajima Island(Itsukushima).

    Many tourists from overseas as well as Japan want to visit Miyajima Island. You can see a beautiful shrine from Heian Period which is around 12th century and a huge Torii gate in front of the shrine and it is in the water. There are several ways to visit the island from Hiroshima city. If you are going to stay near JR Hiroshima Station, we will visit the island by JR train and JR ferry. If you are staying in the city area, we can go there by streetcar and ferry, or there is a high-speed boat from Peace Memorial Park pier directly to the island and vise versa.

    Hoping to see you in the near future!

    Miki
    Your tour guide in Hiroshima

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    May 20, 2026
    Barbgal
    Viator review: Hiroshima City 4hr Private Walking Tour with Licensed Guide
    Walking tour of Hiroshima – 4 hours
    It was a…

    May 16, 2026
    E8055FUjamesg
    Tripadvisor review: Hiroshima City 4hr Private Walking Tour with Licensed Guide
    Great day in sunny Hiroshima
    We were with Miki Nakashima,…

    Apr 5, 2026
    jacquid804
    Tripadvisor review: Hiroshima City 4hr Private Walking Tour with Licensed Guide
    Miki was amazing
    Miki was fabulous very informative and knowledgeable…

    Aug 19, 2025
    J
    Jemma H
    Excellent tour of Hiroshima
    Tripadvisor review: Hiroshima City 4hr Private Walking Tour with Licensed Guide
    Miyuki was a very…

  • Tokyo Customized Private Tour in 1 Day

    Tokyo Customized Private Tour in 1 Day

    Tokyo Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide

    October, 2025

    Tour Itinerary

    • 08:30 Hotel for Shibuya, arrive 09:10
    • 09:30 Scramble Crossing, after seeing Hachiko go to Meiji Jingu, arrive 09:40
    • 10:45 After seeing Meiji Jingu, its Gyoen garden, and Takeshita Street, head to Tsukiji, arrive 11:20
    • 11:20 See Tsukiji Outer Market, there is a tuna cutting show, lunch at the food court
    • 12:15 Head to Asakusa, arrive 13:00, after seeing Nakamise and Sensoji Temple, go to Kappabashi Kitchen Town
    • Stroll around Kappabashi Kitchen Town from around 14:00 to past 14:30
    • Arrive at hotel around 15:10

    What Is a Private Walking Tour of Tokyo Like? A Licensed Guide's Report on Meiji Shrine and Kappabashi The guests arrived in Japan the previous evening. They mentioned that they had not been able to sleep well on the flight, nor much at the Hotel the night before, so they seemed a little tired, but both walked energetically throughout the tour. At Meiji Shrine, they seemed impressed that such a large forest could exist in the center of the city. They listened attentively to my explanations about Shinto, and about the relationship between Shinto and Buddhism. Since they had expressed interest in Kappabashi Kitchen Town after I explained it beforehand, I took them there, but perhaps it did not meet their expectations, as they only walked past the storefronts. Or perhaps they were mindful of the time. I had also planned to visit Rikugien, but due to time constraints, and since we had already visited the Meiji Shrine Inner Garden, we skipped it today, and they said they would go on their own tomorrow. Meiji Shrine is fine even in rainy weather, but Nakamise Street becomes very difficult to walk along.

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

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1Free PassJimbocho～Shibuya900JPY
    Section 2OtherShibuya～Meiji-jingumae100JPY
    Section 3Free PassMeiji-jingumae～Tsukiji0JPY
    Section 4Free PassTsukiji～Asakusa0JPY
    Section 5Free PassTawaramachi～Kanda0JPY
    Section 6TrainKanda (Tokyo)～Suidobashi150JPY
    Total1,150JPY

    Tour Report by Toshi

    I have worked as a diplomat for 48 years until last year(2024), so I think I am good at explaining anything about Japan in English. Though I’m a novice as tour guide, l promise that I will make detailed and thorough preparations for guiding you and to make your trip smooth and enjoyable. I myself like to experience various means of transportation and interested in local culture, history and food. You may be a bit concerned about my age(71 years old), but I am quite fit for work. Just to prove this I wish to say that I played 5 rounds of golf this summer month of August, 2025.

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    Apr 16, 2026
    127dougg
    Tripadvisor review: Hakone 6 hour Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Very enjoyable to have a day being toured about with no…

    Oct 25, 2025
    Julia_G
    Tokyo gardens and museums.
    Viator review: Tokyo 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Toshi is an excellent guide. He crafted a…

    Oct 14, 2025
    M
    Manohar_S
    Superb must see
    Viator review: Hakone 6 hour Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Very scenic and beautiful trip… Mr Toshi…

    Oct 7, 2025
    Robert_H
    Lots of walking. We are…
    Viator review: Tokyo 8hr Private Tour with Licensed Guide from Yokohama
    Lots of walking. We are…

  • Hakone Full-Day Customized Private Tour

    Hakone Full-Day Customized Private Tour

    Hakone Full-Day Customized Private Tour with Licensed Guide

    October, 2025

    Tour Itinerary

    • 8:00 Meet. Route proposal due to rain. Odawara Castle. With agreement, 8:50 Yunessun. Bus. Hakoneguchi 9:35. Odawara Castle. Costume rental and ninja shuriken experience.
    • 10:55 Depart Hakoneguchi. 12:15 Hakone Checkpoint ruins. Maruyama Bussan. Light lunch at Hakonemachi Port. Hakonemachi Port 13:45. Pirate ship. 14:25 Togendai Port. Hakone Ropeway. Owakudani. By ropeway to Sounzan. By cable car to Gora, arrive 16:10. Guide to bus stop for Hotel Kowakien direction. Disband 16:20

    What Is a Rainy-Day Private Tour of Odawara and Hakone Like? A Licensed Guide's Report Although the guests had been concerned about the itinerary due to the rain, we set off after they agreed to my suggestion of trying on samurai and princess costumes at Odawara Castle. The result was a great success, and everyone had a wonderful time dressed in the costumes, thoroughly enjoying themselves. We then made our way back to the checkpoint area, where the guests were delighted by a presentation of yosegi marquetry woodwork at a local shop and did a lot of shopping. The pirate ship and the ropeway offered scenery quite different from their home region in Oceania, and the guests enjoyed the experience. They seemed to really like the black eggs and bought them again, with each member of the group eating two, ending the tour on a high note. Seeing everyone eat two each was a first-time experience even for me.

    Click here for more details: Hakone Full-Day Customized Private Tour with Licensed Guide

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1Free PassOdawara Station～Odawara Station6,000JPY
    Total6,000JPY

    Tour Report by Hiro

    I am Hiroki Morikawa :Hiro:, English guide living with my wife ,just a hop skip and jump from Hakone, Kamakura, Tokyo and the Mt. Fuji.
    I am a friendly grandfather of 4 grandchildren.
    I would love to help you enjoy Japan, using my 3 strong points.
    First: I am used to dealing with any kind of matters. I have experienced various situations in the 40 years of my working life.
    Second: I am good at making a friendly atmosphere between you and local people to help you enjoy Japan. I was raised in western Japan, studied in northern Japan and now live in central Japan. So I know various local cultures and dialects to communicate with a wide variety of people.
    Third: I can explain things from a technical point of view.
    For example, how the Great Buddha was constructed, because I am a master of engineering graduated from Hokkaido University.
    Please enjoy Japan with me. See you soon!!
    dummy

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    Aug 24, 2026
    Deb_K
    Viator review: Hakone Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide
    Well organised tour
    Hiro is obviously an experienced guide.…

    Aug 6, 2026
    Marcus_J
    Viator review: Hakone Full-Day Customized Private Tour with Licensed Guide
    Had an amazing day with…
    Had an amazing day with Hiro.…

    Jun 30, 2026
    G2432BLtimothyc
    Tripadvisor review: Hakone Full Day Tour with Guide and Vehicle
    6 hour tour of Hakone
    we had a great experience with…

    Jun 25, 2026
    T7734IPbrandons
    Tripadvisor review: Hakone 6 hour Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    First time in hakone
    Niro was perfect for us. He was…

  • Kanazawa Customized Half-Day Tour

    Kanazawa Customized Half-Day Tour

    Kanazawa Customized Half-Day Tour with Licensed Local Guide

    October, 2025

    Tour Itinerary

    • Rental Kimono Shop 1000→1020 Kanazawa Station Tsuzumi Gate 1030→1100 Kenrokuen Garden・Kanazawa Castle Park 1200→1210 Higashi Chaya District 1300→1315 Omicho Market 1345→1400 Rental Kimono Shop

    Can You Do a Private Kimono Photo Tour of Kanazawa? A Licensed Guide's Report This was a first-time visit to Japan for the group from North America. In accordance with their wishes, we met at the rental kimono shop they had specified, and I took them to a carefully selected set of photogenic spots scattered throughout Kanazawa City. Using a one-day bus pass, we were able to get around efficiently, and at the end I brought them back to the kimono shop in time for their afternoon departure to Kyoto. In addition to taking photos, the group fully enjoyed shopping at a specialty Kutani ware store and tasting gold-leaf ice cream.

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

    Tour Report by YOSHI

    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.

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    Aug 7, 2026
    D1494MYdanielleg
    Tripadvisor review: Kyoto Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide
    One day walking tour in Tokyo
    Yoshi was great!…

    Aug 6, 2026
    dg89
    Tripadvisor review: Kyoto Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide
    Private Führung in Kyoto
    Die Tour mit Yoshi war…

    Aug 3, 2026
    PaulaLondon2017
    Tripadvisor review: Kyoto Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide
    A customized tour with guide around Kyoto
    We had…

    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.…

  • Tokyo in Half a Day: Meiji Shrine & Sensoji Temple

    Tokyo in Half a Day: Meiji Shrine & Sensoji Temple

    Tokyo Customized Half-Day Tour with Licensed Local Guide

    October, 2025

    Tour Itinerary

    • 11:00　Meet up @ Hotel Tokyo Kyobashi
    • 11:30　Meiji Shrine
    • 12:40　Imperial Palace
    • 13:20　Lunch @ Numazu Uogashi Zushi (Marunouchi Building)
    • 14:25　Sensoji Temple
    • 15:15　Disband @ Hotel Tokyo Kyobashi

    Title: What's a Private One-Day Tokyo Sightseeing Tour Like? A Licensed Guide's Report The guests were visitors from Oceania who were visiting Japan for the first time. They mentioned that after sightseeing in Tokyo, they planned to travel to Kyoto and Osaka. At Meiji Shrine, they appeared deeply 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 Sensoji Temple, they listened with interest to explanations about the differences between temples and shrines, as well as the Kaminarimon Gate. I accommodated the guests' requests as they wished, so I believe they were satisfied.

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

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1SubwayKyobashi (Tokyo)～Meiji-jingumae Station / Shibuya-ku, Tokyo210JPY
    Section 2SubwayMeiji-jingumae～Nijubashimae210JPY
    Section 3TrainTokyo～Ueno170JPY
    Section 4SubwayUeno～Asakusa180JPY
    Section 5SubwayAsakusa～Kyobashi (Tokyo)210JPY
    Total980JPY

    Tour Report by Seizo

    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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    Sep 27, 2026
    jonaJ5014ZK
    Walking tour of Tokyo
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide
    Seizo was a tremendously fabulous…

    Sep 11, 2026
    M7402TTsharonp
    Higly recommend
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide
    Had an amazing tour with Seizi Kaminto.…

    Sep 8, 2026
    OnAir57127583503
    Amazing Experience with Kamakura Day Tour
    Tripadvisor review: Japan Guide Agency
    We had an excellent time with Seizo Kamiuto as our…

    Sep 4, 2026
    B2319ZKjoseo
    Pleasant stroll through HISTORY
    Tripadvisor review: Kawagoe Customized Half-Day Tour with Licensed Local Guide
    We had a great time learning about…

  • Osaka in One Day: Fushimi Inari Taisha & Arashiyama and Sagano

    Osaka in One Day: Fushimi Inari Taisha & Arashiyama and Sagano

    Kyoto in 1 Day from Osaka: Private Car Tour, Licensed Guide

    October, 2025

    Tour Itinerary

    • 09:00 Meeting Osaka Port Cruise Terminal
    • 10:15 to 11:15 Fushimi Inari Taisha Shrine
    • 11:45 to 12:15 Gion
    • 12:45 to 13:30 Kinkaku-ji Temple
    • 14:00 to 14:30 Arashiyama and Sagano Bamboo Grove Walk
    • 16:00 Dismissal Osaka Port Cruise Terminal

    Can You Do a Private Cruise Shore Excursion from Osaka Port to Kyoto? A Licensed Guide's Report Today's guests were visitors from North America who arrived at Osaka Port by cruise ship, and this was a Kyoto tour departing from Osaka Port. [Japan Guide Agency (JGA Inc.)](https://www.j-g-a.org/) is one of Japan's largest networks of government-licensed, English-speaking private tour guides, serving all 47 prefectures. However, the ship's departure time was moved up by one hour, from 18:00 to 17:00, so the tour was also shortened by one hour. As a result, we had to skip the Philosopher's Path, which the guests found very regrettable. This cruise ship was also scheduled to stop at places such as Hakodate and Kochi, which were of little interest to the guests, and they said they wished the ship had instead spent more time at ports with access to Kyoto, such as Osaka and Kobe.

    Click here for more details: Kyoto in 1 Day from Osaka: Private Car Tour, Licensed Guide

    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 !!

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    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…

  • Tokyo Customized Private Tour in 1 Day

    Tokyo Customized Private Tour in 1 Day

    Tokyo Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide

    October, 2025

    Tour Itinerary

    • 1000 Hotel Gracery Shinjuku (7 min from JR Shinjuku Station) meetup. Took 15 minutes struggling with SUICA setup on iPhone. 3D cat Display
    • 1040 Shibuya, Hachiko statue, Scramble Crossing. Since they wanted to visit the One Piece and Pokemon shops, we decided to come back after the course ended
    • 1100 Harajuku, Meiji Shrine visit, Takeshita Street
    • 1310 Imperial Palace Outer Garden, Tatsumi Yagura, Gyoko Street, Marunouchi Building pine piles, Tokyo Station
    • 1430 Asakusa, Azuma Bridge, Nakamise, Sensoji Temple, Asakusa Shrine
    • 1620 Accompanied them to Shibuya and disbanded

    Title: What Is a Private One-Day Tokyo Tour Like? A Licensed Guide's Report on Shibuya, Asakusa, and Anime Spots The guests were visitors from North America. Until just before the tour, communication was only possible through a travel agency acting as an intermediary, which was challenging, but we managed to finalize the itinerary. When I met them, they turned out to be knowledgeable and thoughtful people, which was reassuring. As I talked with them, I learned that they love manga and anime, so when I introduced the Pokemon store at Parco and the One Piece store at Magnet in Shibuya, they said they would come back after today's tour ended. They planned to stay in Tokyo for six days, but the guided portion was only for today; from the next day onward they would explore on their own. After Tokyo, they would travel to Hakone, Kyoto, and Osaka. I gave them a Tokyo Travel Guide and explained other sightseeing spots as well. In addition to Akihabara, they showed interest in the museums in Ueno and the observation deck of the Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building. Saying they preferred "one splurge item," they purchased a hand-printed ukiyo-e print at a traditional woodblock print shop in Asakusa.

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

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1TrainShinjuku～Shibuya170JPY
    Section 2TrainShibuya～Harajuku150JPY
    Section 3SubwayMeiji-jingumae～Nijubashimae210JPY
    Section 4TrainTokyo～Ueno170JPY
    Section 5SubwayUeno～Asakusa180JPY
    Section 6SubwayAsakusa～Shibuya260JPY
    Total1,140JPY

    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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    Sep 24, 2026
    Leslie_R
    Good tour on first day
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    Family fun in Tokyo.
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    My teenage sons and I learned…

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  • Tokyo in One Day: Meiji Shrine & Asakusa

    Tokyo in One Day: Meiji Shrine & Asakusa

    Tokyo Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide

    October, 2025

    Tour Itinerary

    • 10:00 Meet up@Grand Hyatt
    • 10:30 Meiji Shrine
    • 12:30 East Gardens of the Imperial Palace
    • 13:50 Lunch@Gonpachi
    • 14:30 Asakusa
    • 16:20 Disband@Grand Hyatt

    Can You Do a Private Tokyo Tour on a Rainy Day? A Licensed Guide's Report The guests were visitors from North America. After being assigned, we had been exchanging emails, so I was a little surprised when a sudden request to change the tour date came through the guide booking system without any direct message to me. I felt a bit nervous, wondering if they might be demanding, but when we met they turned out to be very kind, which was a relief. It seems they had been watching the weather forecast and decided it would be better to visit Hakone on my original guiding day, so they changed the tour date. I imagine they simply forgot to let me know directly. Because they went to Hakone on the sunny day, my tour day was rainy. Still, thanks to the date change, they were apparently able to see Mount Fuji, which was wonderful. On a rainy day the walking pace naturally became slower, and the overall schedule tended to run behind. However, the guests were very interested in Japanese culture and history, asked many questions, and listened attentively, so we spent a very meaningful time together. They mentioned they would be joining their family from the next day, and at the start they requested to master how to use public transportation, so I explained by getting on and off the subway with them. One of the guests did not show much emotion outwardly, so at first I was a little concerned about their reaction, but I believe they were satisfied in the end.

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

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1Free PassRoppongi～Meiji-jingumae700JPY
    Section 2Free PassMeiji-jingumae～Otemachi0JPY
    Section 3Free PassTakebashi～Asakusa0JPY
    Section 4Free PassAsakusa～Roppongi0JPY
    Total700JPY

    Tour Report by Yoko

    I’m Yoko Kusumoto, a government lisenced English-speaking guide.
    I have been living in Tokyo for more than 20 years, and it’s my pleasure to show you around Tokyo. I recommend Meiji Shrine and Asakusa if you are first time in Japan. I also recommend off-the-beaton path spots like Fukagawa Fudodo and Gotokuji Temple(lucky cat temple).
    I was born and brought up in Kamakura, where the first shogun’s government was established. It will be my pleasure to introduce you my hometown as well.

    I live with my husband and one teenage son.
    I like traveling, flowers, sewing, quilting, scrapbooking, and exploring Tokyo.

    I’m looking forward to hearing from you soon.

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    Sep 22, 2026
    grenfell69
    Half-day tour of Tokyo
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  • Hiroshima & Miyajima in 1 Day: Private Tour

    Hiroshima & Miyajima in 1 Day: Private Tour

    Hiroshima & Miyajima in 1 Day: Private Tour, Licensed Guide

    October, 2025

    Tour Itinerary

    • • 10:25　Meet at Hiroshima Station North Exit Pedestrian Deck
    • • 10:30　Travel by JR from Hiroshima Station to Miyajimaguchi (using JR Rail Pass)
    • • 11:10　Cross to Miyajima by ferry
    • • 11:20　Arrive at Miyajima → Great Torii Gate → Itsukushima Shrine (focus on photography rather than worship)
    • • 12:20　Stroll along Omotesando
    • • 12:50　Head to the World Heritage Sea Route boat dock bound for the Atomic Bomb Dome
    • • 13:10　Departure
    • • 13:55　Arrive in front of the Atomic Bomb Dome
    • • 13:55〜14:10　Inspect the Atomic Bomb Dome
    • • 14:10〜15:00　Lunch (each person chooses their preferred restaurant at Shimint Hiroshima)
    • • 15:00〜15:15　Move to the Peace Memorial Museum while viewing the Cenotaph
    • • 15:20〜16:30　Inspect the museum
    • • 16:30〜18:00　Shopping at Don Quijote (originally planned for Hiroshima Castle but changed after group discussion)
    • • 18:00　Board the city tram bound for Hiroshima Station to end the tour

    What Is a Private Day Tour of Miyajima and Hiroshima Like? A Licensed Guide's Report The visit to Miyajima was kept short and focused mainly on taking photographs. After arriving at the Atomic Bomb Dome, the guests asked many questions about radiation and the atomic bombing, and they toured the site with great interest. For lunch, the guests chose their own preferred restaurants at a dining complex in Hiroshima and finished eating in a short time, then passed through the Peace Memorial Park on the way to the museum. Interest in the exhibits on radiation damage and the testimonies of atomic bomb survivors was extremely high, and the questions were very lively. In the afternoon, in order to buy Japanese souvenirs (requested by one of the group), the planned visit to Hiroshima Castle was changed and we went to Don Quijote instead. While surprised by the lively atmosphere inside the store, the guests searched for the items they were looking for. Since we entered Hiroshima early in the morning and walked a great deal under the blazing sun, the guests seemed somewhat tired, but they were pleased, saying it had been "a very enjoyable and satisfying stay in Hiroshima."

    Click here for more details: Hiroshima & Miyajima in 1 Day: Private Tour, Licensed Guide

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1TrainHiroshima Station～Miyajimaguchi420JPY
    Section 2OtherMiyajimaguchi～Miyajima300JPY
    Total720JPY

    Tour Report by NAOMI

    As a person who grew up near the A-Bomb Dome, I offer a personal connection to Hiroshima’s past and present. During my time as an official interpreter for Hiroshima City municipal government, I guided many government officials through our Peace Memorial Park, sharing not just facts, but the emotions and resilience that define our city.
    I love introducing visitors to Hiroshima’s hidden gems – local eateries where you can taste delicious local food and lesser-known spots that even guidebooks don’t mention.

    Baseball fans might be interested to know I created the “squat cheering style” for our beloved Hiroshima Carp team and even hosted their TV show.

    I’m committed to being flexible and tailoring each tour to your interests and preferences. Having traveled solo internationally many times, I understand the mix of excitement, anticipation, and occasional uncertainty that comes with exploring a new culture. This experience helps me anticipate your needs and create meaningful connections.

    Together, we can create more than just a sightseeing experience—we can craft lasting memories that capture the true spirit of Hiroshima.

    I hope your time here becomes a treasured part of your journey.

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    May 26, 2025
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