Category: Uncategorized

  • Kyoto Customized Private Tour in 1 Day

    Kyoto Customized Private Tour in 1 Day

    Kyoto Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide

    June, 2026

    Tour Itinerary

    • Kyoto Station 1000→1040 Kiyomizu-dera Temple 1140→1120 Gion (including lunch time) 1345→1430 Fushimi Inari Taisha Shrine 1530→1600 Kyoto Station

    What's a Private Kyoto Higashiyama Walking Tour Like? A Licensed Guide's Report The guests were visitors from North America who had been looking forward to their trip to Japan. It was clearly evident that they were thoroughly enjoying their tour covering Tokyo, Kyoto, and Osaka. We visited the classic sightseeing spots in the Higashiyama area of Kyoto. I had asked about their preferences by email in advance, so we enjoyed a course that broadly followed the requests of the guests. For lunch, I guided them to a conveyor-belt sushi restaurant that could satisfy both the preference of one who loved raw fish and the preference of another who did not, and the guests were very pleased.

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

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1BusKyoto Station-mae／Kyoto City Bus～Higashiyama Yasui／Kyoto City Bus230JPY
    Section 2TrainGion-Shijo～Fushimi Inari240JPY
    Section 3TrainInari～Kyoto150JPY
    Total620JPY

    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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    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…

  • Tokyo: Nijubashi Bridge & Shibuya Crossing

    Tokyo: Nijubashi Bridge & Shibuya Crossing

    Tokyo Customized Private Tour by Car with Licensed Guide

    June, 2026

    Tour Itinerary

    • 10:00 Meet up @ Hotel
    • 10:30 Nijubashi Bridge
    • 11:00 East Gardens
    • 12:30 Asakusa (Nakamise, Sensoji Temple, Asakusa Shrine)
    • 　　Lunch @ Ramen Ichiryu
    • 14:00 Meiji Shrine
    • 15:20 Shibuya Crossing
    • 16:00 Disband @ Hotel

    What's a One-Day Private Highlights Tour of Tokyo Like? A Licensed Guide's Report The guests were visitors from North America. They had arrived the previous afternoon and were scheduled to take a cruise the following day, so they had only one day in Tokyo. They requested the highlights, and we toured by chauffeured car. We took photos at Nijubashi Bridge and visited the East Gardens, where the Japanese iris flowers were still beautiful, which delighted them. In Asakusa they were surprised by the crowds, but they enjoyed Nakamise, had beef-bone ramen for lunch, and were very satisfied. It was a clear break in the rainy season, so we also walked comfortably through Meiji Shrine, but as they seemed a little tired, we viewed the Shibuya Crossing from the car and then took them back to their Hotel.

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    Tour Report by Rumi

    Hello,
    I’m Rumi.Welcome to Japan!!
    I’m a government-licensed guide in the Tokyo area.
    I’m so excited to have a chance to show you my favorite places in Tokyo.
    Tokyo is a fantastic city with many aspects like history,culture and food.
    What interests you about Tokyo?
    What kind of Japanese food would you like to try?
    I’ll take you to various places according to your request.
    My favorite spot is Meiji Shrine.
    It’s so peaceful that I’m sure you like it.
    I really like to talk with foreigners about various topics.So, I love my job.
    I look forward to meeting and guiding you soon.

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    Jun 29, 2026
    898clausw
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Really helpfull guide
    Extremely helpfull to have a friendly and competent guide…

    Jun 27, 2026
    sallypO7128PM
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Tour of Tokyo- family with older teens
    My family had an excellent…

    Jun 15, 2026
    Scott P
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Terrific Tour and Guide
    We had an incredible day! Rumi was…

    Jun 12, 2026
    Tonya O
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Rumi is a great guide!
    Rumi was a wonderful guide. She…

  • Kagawa in One Day: ベネッセハウス パーク ロビー【集合】 & 南寺

    Kagawa in One Day: ベネッセハウス パーク ロビー【集合】 & 南寺

    Naoshima Art Island in 1 Day Tour with Licensed Guide

    June, 2026

    Tour Itinerary

    • 9:50 ベネッセハウス パーク ロビー【集合】
    • 10:02 ベネッセハウス パーク バス停
    • ベネッセハウス送迎バスにて
    • 10:09 地中美術館 バス停
    • 10:30~11:30 地中美術館
    • 11:40 地中美術館 バス停
    • ベネッセハウス送迎バスにて
    • 11:42 李禹煥美術館 バス停
    • 11:45~12:15 李禹煥美術館 & ヴァレーギャラリー
    • 12:17 李禹煥美術館 バス停
    • ベネッセハウス送迎バスにて
    • 12:27 直島（本村）港 桟橋 バス停
    • 12:40~13:20 直島新美術館
    • 13:30~14:15 seto.UCHI にて昼食
    • 14:20~14:40 ANDO MUSEUM
    • 14:50~16:00 家プロジェクトのアート（「角屋」「護王神社」「はいしゃ」「石橋」）
    • 16:05~16:30 南寺
    • 徒歩にて
    • 16:35 直島（本村）港 桟橋 バス停【解散】

    What Is a Private Day Tour of Naoshima Like? A Licensed Guide's Report The guests were visitors from South America. This time, after traveling for several days elsewhere in Asia, they stayed in Japan from June 8 to June 14, planning to travel from Osaka to Naoshima to Tokyo before returning home. They had visited Japan several times before. They appeared to be very successful in business. For lunch, they had requested a specific restaurant called seto.OUCHI in the Honmura district of Naoshima, and feeling that this was something not to be missed, I made a reservation so they could enjoy the meal. They mentioned that the front of a certain building was inspired by Tadao Ando's concrete walls as an homage to his work. Blessed with fine weather this time, the guests seemed to enjoy a full day on Naoshima, including Tadao Ando's architecture.

    Click here for more details: Naoshima Art Island in 1 Day Tour with Licensed Guide

    Tour Report by Kaji

    Hello. My name is Hisao Kaji. I was born in 1945. I was raised in Takamatsu City from 3 years old. So, I have been living in Takamatsu for around 75 years. I believe I know Takamatsu City and the Kagawa prefecture area very well. If you come to Takamatsu, Kagawa I think you can enjoy your tour with me. I started a Government Licensed Guide in 2019. So, I have been a licensed guide for about 5 years. My favorite destinations are Naoshima, Teshima, Ritsurin Garden, the top of Mt. Yashima and so on. I always show you an itinerary about one month before your tour date, and I will accept any questions, other favorite places you want to visit. Communicating with you, I would like to accommodate your request for your tour. I always listen to NPR on the internet to know how the world is moving and improve my English. I like conversation based upon it with my life. I stayed in the USA for 8 months for a Power Systems Engineering Course conducted by General Electric in New York State when I was 28 years old. I sometimes talk about my memory of those days with the guests. I am very happy to guide tourists because I can see the guests become happy and enjoy themselves when I am guiding better. Nothing is more wonderful than that. I welcome your visit to Takamatsu City and Kagawa Prefecture. I believe you will have a pleasant time through my guide.

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    Apr 19, 2026
    2Pippin2
    Tripadvisor review: Naoshima Full-Day Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    A day to remember
    Perfect day! Our tour guide, Kaji,
    added so…

    Oct 23, 2025
    C
    Calli_C
    This was a great day tour…
    Viator review: Naoshima Full-Day Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    This was a great day…

    Oct 12, 2025
    Vanessa_A
    Lovely day on Naoshima Island
    Viator review: Naoshima Full-Day Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    It was great to relax and leave…

    Jun 1, 2025
    Pamela_F
    Highly recommend the half…
    Viator review: Okayama Half-Day Private Trip with Government-Licensed Guide
    Highly recommend the half day tour and our…

  • Kyoto: Arashiyama Bamboo Grove Walk & Nijo Castle

    Kyoto: Arashiyama Bamboo Grove Walk & Nijo Castle

    Kyoto Customized Private Tour by Car with Licensed Guide

    June, 2026

    Tour Itinerary

    • 9:00 Meet at HOTEL THE MITSUI KYOTO
    • 9:45 Arashiyama Bamboo Grove Walk
    • 10:30 Tenryu-ji Temple Garden
    • 11:10 Kinkaku-ji Temple
    • 12:20 Lunch at Nishio Yatsuhashi no Sato
    • 13:40 Nijo Castle
    • 15:00 Dismissal at HOTEL THE MITSUI KYOTO

    What Can You See on a Private One-Day Kyoto Tour from a Cruise Ship? A Licensed Guide's Report Today's guests were a group visiting from North America. They were traveling by cruise ship and had come from Tokyo. They planned to visit various parts of Japan as well as Busan in South Korea. We strolled through the Arashiyama Bamboo Grove from the Okochi Sanso Villa side. There were relatively few people, so we could take a leisurely walk, which was very nice. After that, we visited the Tenryu-ji Temple garden, which was also not too crowded, and the guests were able to enjoy the garden. At Kinkaku-ji Temple, the timing was perfect as well; usually it is difficult to take photos, but there were few people, so the guests were delighted to take many pictures. Since I had also made a lunch reservation, they were able to relax and enjoy their meal. Finally, we went to Nijo Castle, which was quite crowded. Due to time constraints for heading to Osaka Port, we did not view the garden and returned to the Hotel. I believe the guests enjoyed the day.

    Click here for more details: Kyoto Customized Private Tour by Car with Licensed Guide

    Tour Report by Kaeko

    Thank you very much for choosing JGA experience, and please allow me to briefly introduce myself. I’m Kaeko Tanigawa, your tour guide, and I have been showing tourists from abroad around mainly in Kyoto, Nara and Osaka areas. Every year I’ve guided my guests through those areas for over 80 times. I always try to do my best to help my guests explore and enjoy our unique and attractive locations, and I’ve been lucky enough to receive so many 5-star reviews from the guests I hosted. I’d like to help make your visit to Japan one of the most wonderful memories in your life. I’m really looking forward to seeing you soon. Thank you very much.

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    Jul 25, 2026
    135ulrikh
    Tripadvisor review: Kyoto Customized Half-Day Tour with Licensed Local Guide
    Half-day with private guide in Kyoto
    We spent half a day…

    Jul 24, 2026
    J6711TVnancyb
    Tripadvisor review: Japan Guide Agency
    Family Fun Day in Kyoto with young children
    Kaeko Tanigawa was fantastic at helping us create…

    Jul 13, 2026
    elizabethtW414DU
    Tripadvisor review: Kyoto Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide
    Kyoto Private Tour
    Kaeko was absolutely amazing from start…

    Jul 12, 2026
    johnkE8649IH
    Tripadvisor review: Kyoto Customized Half-Day Tour with Licensed Local Guide
    Excellent Kyoto Day Tour
    We had a wonderful experience touring Kyoto…

  • Kyoto Customized Private Tour by Car

    Kyoto Customized Private Tour by Car

    Kyoto Customized Private Tour by Car with Licensed Guide

    June, 2026

    Tour Itinerary

    • ①　08:30　Meet at Park Hyatt Kyoto
    • ②　08:35　Itinerary explanation and about the history of Kyoto
    • ③　09:00　Departure
    • ④　09:30　Kinkaku-ji Temple
    • ⑤　11:00　Nijo Castle
    • ⑥　12:45　Lunch at Kawaramachi Rokkaku
    • ⑦　14:00　Sanjusangen-do
    • ⑧　15:10　Fushimi Inari Taisha Shrine
    • ⑨　16:30　Return to hotel and disband

    What's a Private Kyoto Tour Like for a Family Visiting Japan? A Licensed Guide's Report The guests were a group visiting from North America. They had visited Japan once before, and on this trip they were traveling through several destinations before returning home. The younger members of the group were relatively well-behaved, and even while I was explaining history, they entertained themselves without fussing. One of the guests asked many questions enthusiastically, and answering them allowed the conversation to expand naturally. This pattern is the easiest for a guide to work with. Another of the guests was constantly attentive to the younger members, so while listening to me, their attention was often drawn away and it was sometimes difficult to follow my explanations to the end. Because of this, I may have spoken rather quickly today, trying to complete my explanations before their concentration ran out. I also took care to repeat the same story again later when needed. What I found interesting was that, since the guests were originally from Asia, they were already quite familiar with Buddhism, so I did not need to explain it in great detail. Instead, today I took the opportunity to ask them about Buddhism in their home region. For example, the thousand-armed Kannon Bodhisattva at Sanjusangendo. This Kannon Bodhisattva also exists in their tradition, written as "観音" and pronounced Guanyin. In Japan, Kannon transforms into 33 different forms to help people everywhere in their suffering. The 40 arms from the halo each relieve 25 kinds of suffering, hence "thousand hands." In their tradition, Kannon transforms into 1,000 forms to save all people from suffering. Similar, but subtly different. The distinction between Nyorai (Tathagata) and Bosatsu (Bodhisattva) was the same. The existence of Amida Nyorai, Yakushi Nyorai, and Dainichi Nyorai, as well as the basic ideas of Pure Land Buddhism, were also the same. I couldn't ask about anything more detailed than that, but the fact that Buddhism is largely the same — which, when you think about it, is only natural — was refreshing and interesting to me. In the car on the way to the Hotel, the last question was: why did I decide to become a tour guide? I hope it turned out to be an enjoyable day for the guests. Finally, I would like to sincerely thank today's driver for their careful attention throughout the day. My thanks again.

    Click here for more details: Kyoto Customized Private Tour by Car with Licensed Guide

    Tour Report by Kazu

    Hello, this is Kazu Akiyama, your tour guide. Nice to meet you and welcome to Japan. Thank you for joining me on the tour. Now I am a retired salaried worker, living in Osaka. I have been very much interested in not only learning Japanese history, culture, religion myself, but also talking about them (sometimes going off topics) in English with tourists from all over the world as well. I am so excited being with you as your guide on coming day! I am very much looking forward to you enjoying with me visiting the must-see places and some of the hidden gems. See you soon. Thank you – Kazu Akiyama

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    Jul 29, 2026
    James_G
    Viator review: Kyoto Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide
    Great guide and very…
    Great guide and very knowledgeable.…

    Jul 13, 2026
    peterhR6472GA
    Kyoto highlights with Kazu.
    Tripadvisor review: Kyoto Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide
    A wonderful day with Kazu…

    Jul 12, 2026
    cgalvez73
    Fantastic tour guide
    Tripadvisor review: Kyoto Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide
    Our guide in Kyoto was Kazu.…

    Jun 23, 2026
    Winni_H
    Viator review: Private Kyoto Tour with Licensed Guide & Vehicle (Max 15 persons)
    Highly recommended when in Kyoto
    Our tour guide…

  • Hakone Full-Day Customized Private Tour

    Hakone Full-Day Customized Private Tour

    Hakone Full-Day Customized Private Tour with Licensed Guide

    June, 2026

    Tour Itinerary

    • 8:50 Meet. Depart Gora Station at 9:23 by train. Enter Hakone Open-Air Museum at 9:40. After strolling, at 11:01 take the bus from the museum via Kowakien to Hakone Checkpoint Ruins, arriving at 11:40. Maruyama Bussan. Lunch at Donburi Chaya. Via the Checkpoint Ruins and the old Tokaido cedar avenue. Board the pirate ship from Motohakone Port at 14:00, arriving at Togendai at 14:25. Take the ropeway to Owakudani, then the ropeway to Sounzan at 15:46. Take the cable car to Gora Station, disband at 16:00. Guests walk to the hotel on foot.

    What Is a Private Hakone Day Tour Like? A Licensed Guide's Report The guests were a very warm and friendly group visiting Hakone. At the Hakone Open-Air Museum, they enjoyed exploring the maze despite the light rain. At Maruyama Bussan, they took on the challenge of opening a traditional Japanese puzzle box after a presentation, and made some purchases. At a rice bowl restaurant, they enjoyed their meal while chatting about the differences between shrines, temples, shoguns, and emperors, as well as about kanji characters, and finished every bite. At the Hakone Checkpoint and the cedar avenue, they savored the atmosphere of the samurai era. The pirate ship, ropeway, Owakudani, and black eggs are classic highlights, and although Mount Fuji was not visible, the small group size allowed them to fully appreciate the natural beauty.

    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 Station0JPY
    Total0JPY

    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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    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…

    Jun 8, 2026
    JasonB6980
    Tripadvisor review: Hakone 6 hour Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Hiro-san knows Hakone!
    Our guide, Hiro-san, did a wonderful job introducing…

    Jun 7, 2026
    Tourist31988989961
    Tripadvisor review: Kamakura 8 hr Private Walking Tour with Licensed Guide from Tokyo
    Great Day and Tour
    Kamakura was amazing. Enjoyed…

  • Tokyo Customized Private Tour in 1 Day

    Tokyo Customized Private Tour in 1 Day

    Tokyo Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide

    June, 2026

    Tour Itinerary

    • 1. 08:50 Meet up@Kimpton Shinjuku Tokyo
    • 2. 08:55 Travel∶Subway
    • 3. 09:40 Stay@Asakusa
    • 4. 10::45 Travel∶Subway
    • 5. 11:10 Stay@Imperial Palace East Gardens
    • 6. 12:25 Travel∶Walk
    • 7. 12:45 Lunch@Soranoiro NIPPON
    • 8. 13:20 Travel∶Train
    • 9. 13:50 Stay@Meiji Shrine
    • 10. 14:30 Stay@Takeshita Street, MIYASHITA PARK
    • 11. 15:00 Stay@Shibuya Scramble Crossing
    • 12. 15:10 Disband@Shibuya Scramble Crossing

    When You Have a SHIBUYA SKY Reservation: A Licensed Guide's One-Day Private Tokyo Tour Report The guests were a group visiting Japan. Since they had mobile Suica and were both strong walkers, we were able to proceed at quite a brisk pace. I heard they had a SHIBUYA SKY reservation at 16:00, so I changed the original plan and decided to guide them from the eastern part of Tokyo toward the west. We had lunch at a restaurant on the ramen street at Tokyo Station. They mentioned they had not yet tried ramen in Japan and wanted to give it a try, so I took them there, and since neither of them eats pork, the restaurant we used this time, which has an extensive vegan ramen menu, was very convenient. After visiting Meiji Shrine, it seemed we had a little time to spare, so we walked from Harajuku to Shibuya along MIYASHITA PARK and parted ways at the Shibuya Scramble Crossing.

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

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1TrainShinjuku～Asakusa390JPY
    Section 2SubwayAsakusa～Otemachi (Tokyo)180JPY
    Section 3TrainTokyo～Harajuku260JPY
    Total830JPY

    Tour Report by Sam

    Hi. My name is Masafumi Miyazaki. Please call me “Sam”. I am a government-licensed guide.
    I was born in Tokyo and was raised in the suburbs of Tokyo called Tama area. When I was in university, I majored in western dramas, so I am good at playing like an actor.
    I like reading, listening to the music, and walking. I belong to several walking clubs, and sometimes I guide the members around Tokyo.
    One of my strengths as a guide is that I know well about kombu, Japanese kelps. In December every year, I work at a traditional kombu shop in Tsukiji Fish Market. At that shop, I learned a lot of things related to kombu or other ingredients for washoku. I can explain the different characteristics of them to you.
    Also, I am familiar with Japanese flowers and plants. If you stroll around a Japanese garden with me, I am sure you will be able to enjoy beautiful flowers and unique plants in every season.
    I look forward to meeting you. Thank you.

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    Jul 21, 2026
    G848SWmaribelm
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide
    Tour of Tokyo sights was great!
    The tour experience…

    Jul 16, 2026
    Cezary P
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide
    Excellent tour of Tokyo!
    Sam, was outstanding! Showed…

    Jul 9, 2026
    Michael_C
    Tokyo tour
    Viator review: Tokyo Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide
    Excellent tour with a wonderful guide -…

    Jun 18, 2026
    David_W
    Viator review: Tokyo Tsukiji Food & Culture 4hr Private Tour with Licensed Guide
    Fish Market Tour
    Great tour. Got to see…

  • Kyoto: Kinkaku-ji Temple & Kiyomizu-dera Temple

    Kyoto: Kinkaku-ji Temple & Kiyomizu-dera Temple

    Kyoto Customized Private Tour by Car with Licensed Guide

    June, 2026

    Tour Itinerary

    • 09:30　Meet the guest in the hotel lobby
    • 09:50　Kinkaku-ji Temple
    • 11:40　Fushimi Inari Taisha Shrine
    • 12:30　Lunch
    • 13:30　Visit Kiyomizu-dera Temple
    • 14:30　Sightseeing around Gion from the car
    • 15:00　Tour ends in front of the hotel

    What Is a Private Family Day Tour of Kyoto Like? A Licensed Guide's Report I guided a group visiting from North America. At Kinkaku-ji, some of the guests took a liking to the omamori charms and each purchased one. Another guest enjoyed the wasabi peanuts and bought some as a souvenir. At Fushimi Inari Taisha, some of the guests tried the Omokaru-ishi (the "lightweight stone"), and the whole group passed under the roots of the Neagari-no-Matsu pine, appearing to enjoy the experience. For lunch, I took the group to a family restaurant, but one of the guests seemed a little unwell, possibly due to the heat. The rest of the group, however, enjoyed the meal and finished everything. Afterward, we headed to Kiyomizu-dera, but as the temperature rose further and one of the guests began to feel worse, one of the guests rested along the way with them while I guided the remaining three guests at a quicker pace. We then decided to wrap up the itinerary early and return to the Hotel ahead of schedule. By the time we reached the Hotel, the guest seemed to have recovered somewhat, and everyone returned to the Hotel holding the origami shuriken I had given as a small gift.

    Click here for more details: Kyoto Customized Private Tour by Car with Licensed Guide

    Tour Report by Umi

    Hello! My name is Umi. I was born and raised in Kyoto, and I still live here today.

    I have always loved traveling. When I visit another country, I enjoy learning about its history, culture, and way of life from local people. Talking with locals helps me understand a place much better than simply visiting famous sights. That’s why I became a tour guide.

    Through my tours, I hope to help visitors gain a deeper understanding of Japan. In addition to its beauty and traditions, I am also happy to talk about modern life in Japan. My goal is for my guests to leave Japan with wonderful memories and a deeper appreciation of the country.

    I’m looking forward to meeting you!

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    Jun 29, 2026
    U3009CHlaurad
    Kyoto 4 Hour walking Tour
    Tripadvisor review: Kyoto 4hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Umi was a great tour guide, very…

    May 9, 2026
    Adventurer745194
    Lovely intro to Kyoto
    Tripadvisor review: Kyoto 4hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    We had a lovely morning guided by Umi.…

    Apr 30, 2026
    jonathangG3501FZ
    4 hour private tour in Kyoto
    Tripadvisor review: Kyoto 4hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Umi was a lovely tour guide…

    Apr 27, 2026
    Jennifer_S
    Wonderful, thoughtful guide
    Viator review: Private Kyoto Tour with Licensed Guide & Vehicle (Max 15 persons)
    Umi was absolutely wonderful. She…

  • Osaka in One Day: Tempozan Passenger Terminal & Dotonbori・Kuromon

    Osaka in One Day: Tempozan Passenger Terminal & Dotonbori・Kuromon

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

    June, 2026

    Tour Itinerary

    • 08:30　Tempozan Passenger Terminal
    • 10:00　Fushimi Inari Taisha Shrine
    • 11:30　Kinkaku-ji Temple
    • 12:30　Lunch
    • 14:00　Arashiyama Monkey Park
    • 15:00　Bamboo Grove Path Stroll
    • 17:00　Dotonbori・Kuromon Market
    • 17:30　Dismissal at Kuromon Market

    What's a Private One-Day Kyoto and Osaka Tour Like from a Cruise Ship? A Licensed Guide's Report [Japan Guide Agency (JGA Inc.)](https://www.j-g-a.org/) guide led a private one-day tour for a group visiting from North America. Initially, the itinerary was arranged through a travel agency, with the plan to end the tour in Gion or at Nishiki Market. However, in a chat the day before, the guests learned for the first time that it takes about one to one and a half hours by car from Gion or Nishiki Market to Tempozan, and they consulted me about the itinerary. At that point, I suggested that, depending on their condition and level of fatigue after visiting the monkey park, we could either return to the cruise ship if they were tired, or proceed to Gion as originally planned if they still felt energetic. On the day of the tour, after visiting Fushimi Inari Taisha and Kinkaku-ji, we went to the monkey park that the guests had been looking forward to, and then strolled through the Bamboo Grove path. After the walk, I checked on their plans for the rest of the day, and since they wished to visit Dotonbori, we changed the plan and guided them there. They had also been disappointed about not being able to visit Nishiki Market, so instead I took them to Kuromon Market, which they liked very much. We then concluded the tour at Kuromon Market.

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

    Tour Report by Umi

    Hello! My name is Umi. I was born and raised in Kyoto, and I still live here today.

    I have always loved traveling. When I visit another country, I enjoy learning about its history, culture, and way of life from local people. Talking with locals helps me understand a place much better than simply visiting famous sights. That’s why I became a tour guide.

    Through my tours, I hope to help visitors gain a deeper understanding of Japan. In addition to its beauty and traditions, I am also happy to talk about modern life in Japan. My goal is for my guests to leave Japan with wonderful memories and a deeper appreciation of the country.

    I’m looking forward to meeting you!

    Request Booking

    Jun 29, 2026
    U3009CHlaurad
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    Umi was a great tour guide, very…

    May 9, 2026
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    Lovely intro to Kyoto
    Tripadvisor review: Kyoto 4hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    We had a lovely morning guided by Umi.…

    Apr 30, 2026
    jonathangG3501FZ
    4 hour private tour in Kyoto
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    Umi was a lovely tour guide…

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    Wonderful, thoughtful guide
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  • Kyoto Customized Half-Day Tour

    Kyoto Customized Half-Day Tour

    Kyoto Customized Half-Day Tour with Licensed Local Guide

    June, 2026

    Tour Itinerary

    • AM 10:30 Tour starts from the hotel
    • Transport: On foot
    • AM 10:45- 11:30 Stroll from Gion Shinbashi to Hanamikoji
    • AM 11:30-PM 12:40 Visit Kennin-ji Temple
    • Transport: Rail: To-ji
    • PM 13:10- 14:20 Visit To-ji Temple
    • Transport: On foot Tour ends at Kyoto Station PM 14:30

    What's a Private Day Tour of Kyoto Like? A Licensed Guide's Report on Zen Temples and Toji The guests were visitors from Europe. It was their second time in Japan, and they had previously visited Kyoto. During the planning stage, the tour was scheduled to include Gion, Kiyomizu-dera, and Fushimi Inari. However, when they showed me photos from their previous visit, it turned out they had already been to those places, so we changed the destinations on the day of the tour. They fully enjoyed a quiet Zen temple and the historic Toji Temple. Since one of the guests did not understand English at all, the tour proceeded with the other guest interpreting into their own language.

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

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1TrainGion-Shijo～Tofukuji180JPY
    Section 2TrainTofukuji～Kyoto150JPY
    Section 3TrainKyoto～To-ji180JPY
    Total510JPY

    Tour Report by YOSHI

    Hello , My name is Hideharu Yoshino . Just call me” Yoshi” .
    I have been involved with many foreign Business partners through my business life for 38 years ,
    Based on my work experience , I would like to try my best to make you comfortale and Happy fruitful times during your stay in Japan .
    Not only giving you basic tourist information about famous sightseeing spot , also I would enjoy to give you the back ground inofrmation in my word.
    ” Once in a lifetime encounter ” Let’s enjoy with me Miracle time to be picked up from 6 billion in somewhere Japan!

    Request Booking

    Jul 25, 2026
    Ann W
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    Incredible tour, one of the highlights of my…

    Jul 18, 2026
    Geert73
    Tripadvisor review: Kanazawa Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide
    A Well-Organized and Informative Tour of Kanazawa
    We, a…

    Jul 15, 2026
    G5010ZVmelodys
    Tripadvisor review: Kanazawa Local Food & Tea Culture Tour with Licensed Guide
    Number one guide for personalised touring of Kanazawa
    Our…

    Jul 11, 2026
    rikkes490
    Tripadvisor review: Kanazawa Customized Half-Day Tour with Licensed Local Guide
    Rigtig god guidet tur
    Rigtig god oplevelse og gode forklaringer

    とても良いガイドツアーでした。
    とても良い体験でした。説明も分かりやすく、とても良かったです。