Category: Uncategorized

  • Tokyo in One Day: Tokyo National Museum & Tokyo Tower

    Tokyo in One Day: Tokyo National Museum & Tokyo Tower

    Tokyo Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide

    August, 2025

    Tour Itinerary

    • 10:00　Meet at Higashi-Nagasaki Station
    • 10:45　Tokyo National Museum
    • 12:10 Nezu Shrine
    • 13:20　East Gardens of the Imperial Palace
    • 14:15　Omotesando
    • 14:30　Lunch (gluten-free restaurant)
    • 15:15　From Sneaker Street to Takeshita Street
    • 15:50　Tokyo Tower
    • 17:00　Planned to see them off to Ikebukuro Station, but due to a personal injury accident at Shinjuku Station, put them in a taxi and ended the guide

    Can You Do a Private Family-Style Tokyo Sightseeing Tour? A Licensed Guide's Report The guests were a group visiting from North America who wished to experience a Japan tour, having a fondness for Japanese anime, movies, history, and culture. I welcomed them with a special welcome card decorated with stars and heart marks. At the National Museum, the group listened carefully to my explanations and took many photos. From Nezu Shrine to the East Gardens of the Imperial Palace, the group shared their impression that Japan was wonderful. Because one of the guests followed a gluten-free diet, we went to a restaurant in Omotesando that they had researched themselves, and they were satisfied with the taste, which met their expectations. On Takeshita Street, one of the guests bought a T-shirt of a favorite anime. After enjoying the view from Tokyo Tower, they asked to be taken to Ikebukuro Station. At the very moment we stepped onto the Yamanote Line platform at Shinjuku Station via the Oedo Line, a personal injury accident occurred on the Yamanote Line train next to the one right in front of us. We exited Shinjuku Station once and, from the Busta terminal, took a taxi to Higashi-Nagasaki Station so they could return. The guests were very grateful.

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

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1TrainHigashi-Nagasaki～Ikebukuro160JPY
    Section 2TrainIkebukuro～Ueno180JPY
    Section 3SubwayNezu～Otemachi (Tokyo)180JPY
    Section 4SubwayOtemachi (Tokyo)～Omotesando180JPY
    Section 5SubwayMeiji-jingumae～Kamiyacho180JPY
    Section 6SubwayAkabanebashi～Shinjuku220JPY
    Total1,100JPY

    Tour Report by Shuji

    My name is Shuji, meaning “Excellent Manager” in English. I was born in Hiroshima 1952. I have 2 children and 3 grandchildren.
    After graduating Kyoto Univ. I joined Mitsubishi-UFJ Bank, Osaka Branch where I met my wife who was a master of Englsih, so I started studying English.
    The bank allowed me to go to Columbia Graduate business school in New York and got MBA Degree there. I worked in London and Manchester Branch.
    During staying in U.K., I was introduced by BBC and Financial Times News Paper about my achievement there. I was selected as a personal assistant and interpreter for the President of the Bank.
    I made many business trips with him to overseas countries. I experienced as an interpreter for meeting late Henry Kissinger and the President of Citi. Corp.
    I changed the job to ORIX corporation, there I was promoted to a Board Member. When the company had acquired Dutch company, I was a member as an accountant to check the Dutch company’s statements of accounts.
    My hobbies are cooking, singing a song, playing tennis & golf, enjoy seeing arts especially opera & musical, travel. I am also busy with taking care of grandchildren. I passed Government Licensed Guide Exam. in 2016. After I retired in 2017, I started guide job as a part timer. So far, I accomplished guide job more than 500 times.
    My area coverage is from Tokyo, Hakone, Kamakura, Mt. Fuji to Kyoto, Nara, Oaka, Hiroshima. I am also able to guide Tea Ceremony, Maiko/Geisha, Sushi Making, Calligraphy, Sumo, Samurai, etc. I can speak excellent English. My knowledge is very wide and deep about not only sightseeing places but Japanese History, Culture, Religion, Daily Life. I know many foreign countries and people. I love talking with all kinds of people including babies with interesting humor.
    By the way, I look young for my age of 74.

    Request Booking

    Jul 16, 2026
    salomons666
    Tripadvisor review: Kyoto Customized Full-Day Private Tour with Licensed Guide
    Kyoto fun
    Amazing with our guide Shuji very kind and acknowledge

    Jul 15, 2026
    P9099TXkennethr
    Tripadvisor review: Hiroshima & Miyajima in 1 Day: Private Tour, Licensed Guide
    A great day
    A great day in the Company of mr. Shuji.

    Jun 28, 2026
    A
    Tripadvisor review: Nara 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    AmyfromPlano
    Shuji is the best! Once we booked this tour, he reached…

    Jun 22, 2026
    yeseniag981
    Tripadvisor review: Osaka 6hr Private Walking Tour with Government Licensed Guide
    Osaka Tour
    Our tour guide Shuji was amazing. He was…

  • Nara in One Day: JR Nara & Kofukuji and Naramachi

    Nara in One Day: JR Nara & Kofukuji and Naramachi

    Nara Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide

    August, 2025

    Tour Itinerary

    • 10:00 Meet up @ JR Nara Station
    • 10:05-10:20 JR Nara Station → Todaiji-mae Bus 250 yen
    • 10:30-12:30 Sightseeing at Todaiji Great Buddha Hall, Nigatsudo, and Kasuga Taisha
    • 12:36-12:55 Kasuga Taisha Main Shrine → Kintetsu Nara Station Bus 250 yen
    • 13:00-14:00 Lunch @ Momoshiki
    • 14:30-15:30 Sightseeing at Kofukuji and Naramachi shopping street
    • 16:00 Disband @ Henn na Hotel Nara

    What Is a Private Nara and Kyoto History Tour Like? A Licensed Guide's Report The guests were visiting Japan for the first time from North America, so I explained the history of Kyoto and Nara and the introduction of Buddhism to Japan. One of the guests became very interested in collecting goshuin (temple and shrine seal stamps), lining up wherever a "goshuin" sign was displayed to obtain them, and was moved that each one was handwritten. It was a hot day, but we walked from the Great Buddha Hall to Nigatsudo, around Wakakusayama, and on to Kasuga Taisha Shrine. For lunch, the guests enjoyed a sukiyaki set meal at a local restaurant. After the meal, I guided them along the way back, and we were also able to catch the high-speed mochi pounding at Nakatanidou at just the right moment, which the guests thoroughly enjoyed.

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

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1BusJR Nara Station／Nara Kotsu～Todaiji Great Buddha Hall・Kasuga Taisha-mae／Nara Kotsu250JPY
    Section 2BusKasuga Taisha Main Shrine／Nara Kotsu～Kintetsu Nara Station／Nara Kotsu250JPY
    Total500JPY

    Tour Report by AndyMurao

    Hello! I am Andy Murao. I love this job as I can visit various destinations with the people from all over the world. I am always thinking that I could help you know more about Japan and understand the attractiveness of Japan.

    I would like to provide a tour in accordance with your request and preference. Please let me know what you want to see, eat, experience, etc. and then I will propose a schedule based on them.

    There is one point to note. I like walking very much, so I might be a guide who forces you to take long walks.

    I look forward to attending you in Japan.

    Best regards,

    Andy Murao

    Request Booking

    Jul 13, 2026
    webstere2025
    Tripadvisor review: Kyoto Customized Half-Day Tour with Licensed Local Guide
    Excellent
    Andy(Atsushi) was great and communicated with us beforehand about our…

    Jun 21, 2026
    Catherine_D
    Viator review: Osaka 4hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    First time in Osaka
    Andy was great . On time and patience…

    Jun 6, 2026
    eyeessess
    Tripadvisor review: Kyoto Early Morning Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Great tour!
    Andy Murao was an amazing and wonderful tour guide.…

    Jun 5, 2026
    Janice_W
    Viator review: Kyoto 9hr Private Tour (Kobe Dep. ) with Licensed Guide
    Great tour of Kyoto
    It was a good tour…

  • Tokyo in One Day: Koishikawa Korakuen Garden

    Tokyo in One Day: Koishikawa Korakuen Garden

    Tokyo Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide

    August, 2025

    Tour Itinerary

    • 10:30　Pickup at Takasago-beya sumo stable
    • 11:00　Watch the goma fire ritual at Fukagawa Fudo
    • 11:45　Lunch at Monzen-nakacho (tempura set meal)
    • 13:00　Stroll through Koishikawa Korakuen Garden
    • 14:30　Visit Meiji Jingu Shrine and stroll through Meiji Jingu Gyoen Garden
    • 16:00　Experience the Shibuya Scramble Crossing
    • 16:30　Tour disbands at Shibuya Station

    What Is a Private Tokyo Tour to Fukagawa, Koishikawa Korakuen, and Meiji Jingu Like? A Licensed Guide's Report 1. The tour and the guests' reactions The guests were a group visiting Tokyo. Since one of the guests walked slowly, the pace was adjusted to allow for unhurried walking. As sitting on the floor or bending forward was difficult, meals were arranged with chair seating. Inside train stations we used elevators and escalators as much as possible, but the guests said that stairs were manageable when handrails were available, and they actively made use of the stairs as well. The guests' request was to experience the real culture and environment of Japan rather than famous tourist sites, so I had them join the goma fire ritual at Fukagawa Fudodo alongside the worshippers, and enjoy lunch at a local tempura restaurant in Monzen-Nakacho. As I have ten years of work experience in Monzen-Nakacho, the guests were delighted to be taken to hidden local gems and to take part in local events. The guests were very fond of the path in Koishikawa Korakuen that recreates the Kisoji route, and they fully enjoyed the coolness of the shade and the scent of the trees. At Meiji Jingu, the guests dedicated an ema votive plaque to experience a part of Shinto. When I explained that the Jingu Gyoen inner garden had been created as a place for walking practice for an empress who had difficulty walking, the guests strolled through it thoughtfully, seeming to reflect on their own situation. 2. Other impressions, notes, and requests to Japan Guide Agency This time, the guests' requests included sumo, so I introduced [Japan Guide Agency (JGA Inc.)](https://www.j-g-a.org/)'s sumo show tour with lunch. However, the guests were not interested in the show and wished to see morning practice instead, so I introduced a sumo morning practice viewing tour operated by another company (Takasago stable). For this reason, this tour started from the Takasago stable after the guests finished viewing the morning practice. They were very excited to watch the morning training, so if [Japan Guide Agency](https://www.j-g-a.org/) has any tours related to morning practice, I would appreciate it if you could introduce them. (I could not find a morning practice tour in the list of [Japan Guide Agency](https://www.j-g-a.org/) tours. My apologies if I overlooked it.) Incidentally, I am a great sumo fan and a supporter club member of the Tamanoi stable. As a member, I watch morning practice about once a month, and I also attend the closing-day celebration party of the official tournaments (held in Ryogoku) and enjoy conversations with the wrestlers. I am knowledgeable about sumo, including behind-the-scenes stories of the wrestlers, so if there is an opportunity to guide the 6-hour tour with [Japan Guide Agency](https://www.j-g-a.org/)'s sumo show and lunch, I would love to try it. I can also guide guests to sumo-related places. In addition, tours to watch grand sumo tournaments (held in Ryogoku) operated by other companies have become popular in recent years. I think it would be worthwhile for [Japan Guide Agency](https://www.j-g-a.org/) to consider offering a grand sumo viewing tour as well.

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

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1TrainToyocho～Ryogoku (Toei Line)290JPY
    Section 2TrainRyogoku (Toei Line)～Monzen-nakacho180JPY
    Section 3TrainMonzen-nakacho～Suidobashi330JPY
    Section 4TrainIidabashi～Harajuku180JPY
    Section 5TrainHarajuku～Shibuya150JPY
    Total1,130JPY

    Tour Report by Toru

    Hello, I am Toru, a certified National Guide. I have been guiding since 2017, primarily in the Tokyo area, which includes Hakone, Kamakura, and Yokohama. To make your stay in Japan unforgettable, I always discuss a tour plan with my guests via email before their arrival. Please share your preferences, including the places you’d like to visit and the experiences you’d like to try during your stay in Tokyo. If this is your first visit to Japan, I’m excited to help make your time in Tokyo even more enjoyable by suggesting sample itineraries and offering travel tips.

    For more information about me, please visit my profile site.
    https://japan-cultural-traditional-experience.com/hello-welcome-to-japan/
    For your reference, please feel free to visit my blog, which features popular sightseeing spots and interesting experiences.
    https://japan-cultural-traditional-experience.com/

    I look forward to meeting you soon!

    Request Booking

    July 2, 2026
    David S
    Tripadvisor : Toyosu Market Morning Tuna Auction and Tsukiji Food Tour with Licensed Guide
    Incredible experience at the Markets!
    Toru…

    Jun 6, 2026
    meltemg957
    Unique experience with a highly knowledgeable guide
    Tripadvisor review: Toyosu Market Morning Tuna Auction and Tsukiji Food Tour with Licensed Guide…

    Jun 4, 2026
    bluejerky1
    Turo was knowledgeable and the tour was fun and fun and informative. Highly recommend.
    Tripadvisor review: Toyosu Market Morning Tuna Auction…

    May 29, 2026
    Eva P
    Fabulous experience with Toru!
    Tripadvisor review: Toyosu Market Morning Tuna Auction and Tsukiji Food Tour with Licensed Guide
    Toru was…

  • Tokyo: Meiji Shrine & Shibamata

    Tokyo: Meiji Shrine & Shibamata

    Tokyo Customized Full-Day Private Tour with Licensed Guide

    August, 2025

    Tour Itinerary

    • 9:00 Meet at Hotel Levant Tokyo
    • 9:45 Meiji Shrine
    • 11:35 Gotokuji Temple
    • 12:20 Lunch @ Ramen Kurumaya
    • 14:10 Yanaka Ginza
    • 15:15 Shibamata > Yamamoto-tei > Shibamata Taishakuten
    • 16:50 Disband at Hotel Levant Tokyo

    What's a Full-Day Private Tour of Tokyo Like? A Licensed Guide's Report on Gotokuji, Yanaka Ginza, and Shibamata It was humid, but there was little direct sunlight, making it a comfortable day. Since the itinerary had been decided in advance, we proceeded as planned. The guests had an Icoca card, so the tour went smoothly. At Gotokuji Temple, quite a lot of time was spent taking photos of the beckoning cats and shopping around the temple grounds and on the way back. The guests said they had wanted to come because they keep a cat at home. They said lunch could be anywhere, but since one of the group did not eat meat, we had a stir-fried vegetable set meal at a ramen restaurant. The others had a meat and vegetable stir-fry set meal. At Yanaka Ginza there was no particular shopping, but at the shopping street in Shibamata, they bought kusa dango and rice crackers. The guests seemed generally satisfied with the guiding, and when I saw them off at the Hotel, they gave me a souvenir they had brought from Europe.

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

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1TrainKinshicho～Harajuku230JPY
    Section 2TrainMeiji-jingumae～Gotokuji330JPY
    Section 3TrainGotokuji～Sendagi430JPY
    Section 4TrainNippori～Shibamata280JPY
    Section 5TrainShibamata～Kinshicho380JPY
    Total1,650JPY

    Tour Report by Koba

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

    Request Booking

    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…

  • Kanagawa in One Day: Gora Park & Okada Museum of Art

    Kanagawa in One Day: Gora Park & Okada Museum of Art

    Hakone Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide

    August, 2025

    Tour Itinerary

    • 09:30 Gora Park
    • 10:30 Glassblowing experience at the park's Craft House
    • 11:30 Tea ceremony experience at the park's Hakuun-do
    • 13:00 Okada Museum of Art
    • 14:15 Lunch at Yunessun
    • 15:00 Disband at Gora Station

    What Is a Rainy-Day Private Tour of Hakone Like? A Licensed Guide's Report 1. The tour on the day and the guests' reactions On the day of the tour, a heavy rain warning was issued from the morning, and both the ropeway and the pirate ship were suspended from their first departures. By the afternoon, all forms of transportation except buses had also stopped operating. The hotel concierge, the guests, and the guide discussed the situation together and chose activities that could be enjoyed indoors to carry out the tour. At the glassblowing experience in Gora Park, the group enjoyed choosing their own designs and colors. The tea house in the same park was also empty of other visitors due to the heavy rain, so it became a private space just for us, where they could freely take photos and enjoy matcha and the atmosphere. At the Okada Museum of Art, the guests were moved by the pottery from before the common era, and were able to learn in depth how culture and art that came from China were nurtured into Japanese art. The heavy rain was very unfortunate, but by constantly consulting with the guests, I was able to make sure they still enjoyed the experience, and they wrote a highly favorable review right away. 2. Requests to [Japan Guide Agency (JGA Inc.)](https://www.j-g-a.org/) Hotels in Hakone offer pickup services, but some hotels only provide pickup after 9:20. In such cases, if the hotel is far from the nearest station, a taxi is necessary, and it is a little difficult for the guide to cover this cost. Especially in a situation like this time, with a heavy rain warning in effect, it was not possible to walk long distances, so I would appreciate your consideration. Also, after seeing the guests off, since all forms of transportation except buses had stopped operating, I had to wait in line at the bus stop for two hours in the heavy rain. Furthermore, as the amount of rainfall exceeded the regulated level and there was a risk of landslides, the Odakyu Line also switched to slow operation, and it took four and a half hours to get home. In such cases, would it be possible to receive some kind of assistance (for example, an additional allowance)? I would appreciate your consideration.

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

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1Free PassHakone-Yumoto～Gora5,000JPY
    Section 2OtherGora Station～Hyatt Regency Hakone Resort and Spa900JPY
    Total5,900JPY

    Tour Report by Toru

    Hello, I am Toru, a certified National Guide. I have been guiding since 2017, primarily in the Tokyo area, which includes Hakone, Kamakura, and Yokohama. To make your stay in Japan unforgettable, I always discuss a tour plan with my guests via email before their arrival. Please share your preferences, including the places you’d like to visit and the experiences you’d like to try during your stay in Tokyo. If this is your first visit to Japan, I’m excited to help make your time in Tokyo even more enjoyable by suggesting sample itineraries and offering travel tips.

    For more information about me, please visit my profile site.
    https://japan-cultural-traditional-experience.com/hello-welcome-to-japan/
    For your reference, please feel free to visit my blog, which features popular sightseeing spots and interesting experiences.
    https://japan-cultural-traditional-experience.com/

    I look forward to meeting you soon!

    Request Booking

    July 2, 2026
    David S
    Tripadvisor : Toyosu Market Morning Tuna Auction and Tsukiji Food Tour with Licensed Guide
    Incredible experience at the Markets!
    Toru…

    Jun 6, 2026
    meltemg957
    Unique experience with a highly knowledgeable guide
    Tripadvisor review: Toyosu Market Morning Tuna Auction and Tsukiji Food Tour with Licensed Guide…

    Jun 4, 2026
    bluejerky1
    Turo was knowledgeable and the tour was fun and fun and informative. Highly recommend.
    Tripadvisor review: Toyosu Market Morning Tuna Auction…

    May 29, 2026
    Eva P
    Fabulous experience with Toru!
    Tripadvisor review: Toyosu Market Morning Tuna Auction and Tsukiji Food Tour with Licensed Guide
    Toru was…

  • Tokyo Customized Half-Day Tour

    Tokyo Customized Half-Day Tour

    Tokyo Customized Half-Day Tour with Licensed Local Guide

    August, 2025

    Tour Itinerary

    • 11:00 Meet at Hotel Knot Shinjuku – Tochomae st – Aoyama-itchome st – Ueno st
    • 11:50 Ueno Park – Kiyomizu-do – Shinobazu Pond – Hanazono Inari Shrine – Museum of Western Art – Ameyoko – Ueno st
    • Asakusa st 13:30 – Sensoji Temple – Hoppy Street – Shin-Nakamise – 15:00 Disband in front of Asakusa Azuma

    What Is a 4-Hour Private Ueno, Asakusa, and Akihabara Walking Tour Like? A Licensed Guide's Report The guests were a group visiting from Europe. Their requests were Ueno, Asakusa, and Akihabara, but there was not enough time, so we parted ways at a restaurant in Asakusa. The guests were calm and listened attentively to the explanations. In Ueno, they took photos of the lotus flowers and were especially interested in the National Museum of Western Art, which was designed by Le Corbusier and is a World Heritage Site. In Asakusa, they found a specialty brush shop in Shin-Nakamise unusual and purchased a few items. I believe they enjoyed themselves. One thing that was a little challenging this time was that the tour ran from 11:00 to 15:00, and everyone seemed to have had a late breakfast. They planned to have lunch after the tour ended. The guests were enjoying drinks and snacks while walking, but as a guide I could not do the same, and in the extreme heat I kept walking without a break with only a bottle of water, so I felt quite tired in the latter half. Since it is difficult for a guide to say so, I felt a little disappointed, thinking that if guests showed consideration by taking time at least once during the tour to sit down and have a light snack, my sense of closeness to their country would only grow.

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

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1SubwayTochomae～Aoyama-itchome220JPY
    Section 2SubwayAoyama-itchome～Ueno210JPY
    Section 3SubwayUeno～Asakusa180JPY
    Total610JPY

    Tour Report by Kyoko

    Hello! I am Kyoko who has been working as a guide since 2017. I was born in Kyoto. So, my name comes from Kyoto which is Japan’s beautiful ancient capital . And “ko” literally means child in Japanese. Thus, my name Kyoko means Kyoto’s child, Kyoko. But some guests call me Kyoto. It’s okay, not a big problem.
    But to say the truth, I feel like this, ” Am I like an ancient person? No way~!!…” I am mainly guiding in and around Tokyo. Tokyo has two faces of well-advanced and old-fashioned. So, you can enjoy both high-tech technology and historical culture plus delicious food and drinks,too. You will surely be inspired in this city with me. Anyway, looking forward to meeting you in the near future. Thank you in advance!

    Request Booking

    Sep 9, 2025
    salanicolas
    Superb Tokyo guide
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Kyoko was great! Super knowledgeable, a lot of fun,…

    Jun 19, 2025
    josephk547
    A definite must-do when visiting Tokyo!
    Tripadvisor review: Nikko Full-Day Private Walking Tour with Government-Licensed Guide (Tokyo DEP.)
    Absolutely amazing tour…

    May 24, 2025
    sandrashachar
    Terrific Tokyo Tour!
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    We had a fantastic tour of the Asakusa Shrine,…

    May 22, 2025
    andywP8147WV
    Private Guided Tour in Tokyo
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Our wonderful guide Kyoko prepared an excellent…

  • Hyogo in Half a Day: Koko-en Garden & Nadagiku Sake Brewery

    Hyogo in Half a Day: Koko-en Garden & Nadagiku Sake Brewery

    Himeji Castle Half-Day Customized Tour with Licensed Guide

    August, 2025

    Tour Itinerary

    • 10:00 Meet @ JR Himeji Station
    • 10:15 @ Koko-en Garden
    • 11:15 @ Himeji Castle
    • 13:15 @ Nadagiku Sake Brewery
    • 14:00 Disband @ Food court inside JR Himeji Station

    Title: What Is a Private Himeji Castle and Sake Brewery Tour Like? A Licensed Guide's Report The guests were visitors from North America. The weather today was very hot and humid, but we were able to move around smoothly. At Himeji Castle, there were far more domestic tourists than usual, perhaps due to the Obon holiday season. Because of this, entry to the main keep was temporarily restricted at one point. The guests seemed to enjoy Japanese sake, and at the Nadagiku Sake Brewery they experienced a tasting and also purchased souvenirs. After the tour they were returning to Hiroshima, but wanted to have a light meal beforehand, so I guided them to the food court inside JR Himeji Station, where we parted ways. As usual, I presented a handmade drawstring pouch, which was warmly received. Along with it, I gave an origami piece containing a nylon bag (a trash bag), and I received the comment, "The roads and stations in Japan are beautiful, but it can be hard to find trash cans, so this is very helpful." Note) Regarding heatstroke, this is purely my own subjective impression as a guide, but I felt that conditions like today's — where the temperature was relatively lower (by 2–3 degrees) than the extreme heat two days ago, but the humidity was high — may actually carry a greater risk of heatstroke. Until now I had no particular problems even walking under blazing sun at 36–38 degrees, but today, perhaps because of the humidity, I felt very uncomfortable and there were about two moments when I felt I might be in the early stages of heatstroke. It is of course essential to pay attention to the guests in this regard, but I also want to take good care of myself and get through the lingering late-summer heat.

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

    Tour Report by Yama

    Dear my guests,

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

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

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

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

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

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

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    Jul 25, 2026
    Hdixjdixj
    Tripadvisor review: Osaka Local Food & Culture Tour in 1 Day, Licensed Guide
    Amazing Food Tour through Osaka
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    Viator review: Himeji Castle & Koko-en in 1 Day Tour with Licensed Guide
    Castle journey worth your time!
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    Viator review: Kobe Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide
    Our tour guide Yama was amazing!!
    Our tour guide…

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

  • Tokyo Customized Full-Day Private Tour

    Tokyo Customized Full-Day Private Tour

    Tokyo Customized Full-Day Private Tour with Licensed Guide

    August, 2025

    Tour Itinerary

    • 8:00 Hotel-9:00 Fukagawa Fudodo-9:50 Tomioka Hachimangu Shrine-10:50 Meiji Jingu Shrine-11:30 Harajuku Takeshita Street-12:00 Lunch-13:15 Shibuya Scramble Crossing-14:10 Cat Street-15:30 Omotesando Dismissal

    Title: What Is a First-Time Private Day Tour of Tokyo Like? A Licensed Guide's Report The guests were visiting Japan for the first time from North America, on a longer trip that would take them from Tokyo to the Kansai area, including Kyoto, Osaka, and Nara, as well as Hiroshima. They had arrived in Tokyo the previous day, and despite some jet lag, we started the tour at a temple hall in Fukagawa. They were amazed by the "Goma fire ritual," performed amid the thunderous sound of taiko drums and conch shells. It made for an excellent start for guests seeking a special experience. After Harajuku and Shibuya, we walked along Cat Street, where they purchased custom-made items at Adidas and Levi's. They shared their impression that it felt like an orderly kind of chaos, different from what they had seen elsewhere. [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. Winner of Tripadvisor Travelers' Choice Best of the Best. Not affiliated with the Japan Guide Association.

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

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1SubwayHibiya～Monzen-Nakacho290JPY
    Section 2SubwayOmotesando～Shibuya180JPY
    Total470JPY

    Tour Report by Michio

    Welcome to Japan. My name is Michio, your tour guide in Tokyo and Japan. I was born and grown up in Tokyo, and still living in western suburb of Tokyo with my wife, except for 10 years outside of Japan travelling and living in 60 countries. So I might have visited your country and still remember a few words.
    Japan has unique history, nature and culture, and there are plenty of secrets and wonders behind them such as food culture, Zen and Ninja.
    So please explore and discover the hidden and most beautiful part of Japan together. Let’s experience!

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    Oct 25, 2025
    Carla_G
    Our 4-hour Tokyo walking…
    Viator review: Tokyo 4hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Our 4-hour Tokyo walking tour was fantastic! Michio…

    Oct 24, 2025
    410trishab
    ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ 10/10 — Outstanding Tour with Michio and Nobuhiko!
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo Full Day Tour with Licensed Guide and Vehicle from…

    Oct 11, 2025
    GoPlaces52694049181
    We enjoyed our time in Tokyo with Michio our tour guide.
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo 8hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    We…

    Oct 10, 2025
    PiscesV
    Sushi for breakfast at 630am? Yes please!!
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  • Tokyo Customized Private Tour in 1 Day

    Tokyo Customized Private Tour in 1 Day

    Tokyo Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide

    August, 2025

    Tour Itinerary

    • 1. 08:00 Meet up @Stay SAKURA Tokyo Asakusa Edo no Mai
    • 2. 08:15 Travel: Subway
    • 3. 08:30 Stay @Ueno Park
    • 4. 10:05 Travel: Subway
    • 5. 10:30 Nezu Shrine
    • 6. 11:30 Travel: On foot
    • 7. 11:40 Stay @Sendagi, Yanaka
    • 8. 12:40 Travel: Train, Subway
    • 9. 13:00 Stay @Asakusa
    • 10. 14:05 Disband @Senso-ji Main Hall

    What Is a Private Ueno, Yanaka, and Asakusa Walking Tour in Tokyo Like? A Licensed Guide's Report The guests were a group visiting from Europe. Everyone spoke English with a slight accent, but there were no issues with communication at all. In particular, one of the guests had a surprising amount of knowledge about Japanese culture, which impressed me. The Hotel where they were staying was a little far from any station, but since the Hibiya Line was convenient for reaching Ueno Park, our first destination, we first headed to Iriya Station. As they had Suica cards, we also used the JR lines for getting around afterward. At Ueno Park, I guided them through the area including Toshogu Shrine. They seemed genuinely interested in the historic buildings. In Yanaka, they tried a variety of light snacks, so our stay there ran a bit longer than planned. On the other hand, since they had already strolled around the Asakusa area the previous evening, I kept the guiding there brief, taking a longer rest on a bench beside Hozomon Gate while I explained about religion in Japan. Since the guests had expressed a wish to have lunch around Senso-ji Temple after the tour, we parted ways on-site after visiting the main hall.

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

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1SubwayIriya (Tokyo)～Ueno180JPY
    Section 2SubwayUeno～Ueno-hirokoji180JPY
    Section 3SubwayYushima Station / Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo～Nezu180JPY
    Section 4SubwayNezu Station Front / Taito-ku, Tokyo～Sendagi180JPY
    Section 5TrainNippori～Ueno150JPY
    Section 6SubwayUeno～Asakusa180JPY
    Total1,050JPY

    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 -…

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    Fish Market Tour
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  • Kanazawa Customized Half-Day Tour

    Kanazawa Customized Half-Day Tour

    Kanazawa Customized Half-Day Tour with Licensed Local Guide

    August, 2025

    Tour Itinerary

    • AM 09:30 Start at hotel
    • Travel by bus to Hashibacho
    • AM 09:45-AM11:00 Stroll through Higashi Chaya District (Shima, Kinpaku Sakuda)
    • Travel by bus to Kenrokuen-shita
    • AM 11:30-PM12:15 Visit Kenrokuen Garden
    • PM 12:15-13:20 Kanazawa Castle Park: East Turret, Gojukken Nagaya, Hashizumemon Tsuzuki Turret, Gyokusenin, Oyama Shrine
    • Travel by bus, tour ends at Omicho Market PM13:30

    What Is a Private Kanazawa Tour Like on a Rainy Day? A Licensed Guide's Report The guests were visiting Japan for the first time from North America. Despite the unfortunate heavy rain, the downpour eased a little at Kenrokuen Garden, which was fortunate. I proceeded with the tour while trying to focus on indoor sightseeing as much as possible, and I believe the guests enjoyed it fully. They asked many questions, and they were especially interested in the Japanese custom of Obon, saying they were looking forward to the Gozan no Okuribi bonfires in Kyoto. At the end, I introduced a recommended place to eat for their dinner, and then concluded the tour.

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

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1BusMusashigatsuji・Omicho Market／Hokuriku Railroad Bus～Hashibacho／Hokuriku Railroad Bus210JPY
    Section 2BusHashibacho／Hokuriku Railroad Bus～Kenrokuen-shita・Kanazawa Castle／Hokuriku Railroad Bus210JPY
    Section 3BusKorinbo／Hokuriku Railroad Bus～Musashigatsuji・Omicho Market／Hokuriku Railroad Bus210JPY
    Total630JPY

    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!

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    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。